Prediction of the functionality of youngSouthAmerican red wines based on chemical parameters

Abstract

Background and Aims Wine functionality is an emerging parameter that may affect consumers' decision to purchase a wine. Thus, our objective was to classify young South American red wines according to their functionality. Methods and Results Four factors were considered for sample selection: vintage (2009/10), cultivar (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carménère, Merlot, Syrah and Tannat), country (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay) and price ($US1.0–50.0/bottle). Functionality of the wines was defined by their antioxidant activity, phenolic substances (TP), anthocyanins (TA) and colour. After applying multivariate analysis, wines were separated into three clusters. Wines grouped into the highest functionality cluster presented values of TP, TA, antioxidant activity, darker and purple colour higher than those of wines classified as intermediate or of low functionality. More than 96% of the wines were correctly classified by discriminant analysis according to their functionality using only seven markers. Conclusions Applying multivariate analysis, 666 South American wines were classified according to their functionality based on chemical markers, colour and price. Malbec and Tannat wines produced in Argentina, priced above $US15.00/bottle, showed the highest functionality. Significance of the Study The present study provides relevant information that may help wine consumers on their choices regarding functionality based on cultivar, origin and price of young South American red wines.