Cluster spatial positions varied the phenolics profiles of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapes and wines under a fan training system with multiple trunks

Abstract

The fan training system with multiple trunks (F-MT) is widely used in the northern China winegrape region with high yield and convenience for burying soil to prevent winter cold. However, the wide distribution of clusters under F-MT usually leads to variations in berry compositions. In two consecutive years, clusters from different spatial positions were collected to determine the phenolic composition in grapes and resultant wines by HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS. Results showed that light exposure promotes the accumulation of flavonols and 3′-hydroxylated anthocyanins in berries. Wines made from upper clusters had higher alcohol degree, lightness, monomeric anthocyanins and flavonols, whereas wines made from lower clusters had relatively higher total acidity, red color component, polymeric anthocyanin and total flavanols. Most of the wine parameters were also significantly affected by vintage. In conclusion, the quality of grapes and wines varied from different cluster positions, graded harvesting helps to maximize the characteristics of grape berries.