Study of the fruity aroma of red wines made from grape varieties potentially adapted to climate change using a semi-preparative HPLC method

Abstract

Under climate change, the fruity aroma of Bordeaux red wines is changing, tending toward undesirable aromas like dried and cooked fruits. To adapt to these changes in aroma, a strategy could be to introduce to Bordeaux vineyards late-ripening grape varieties more suited to drier, sunnier and warmer conditions. A comparative analysis involved traditional Bordeaux red wines (Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, and Cabernet franc) and those from late-ripening grape varieties originating from high-temperature climates (Yiannoudin, Syrah, Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro, Touriga Nacional, Grenache, and Tempranillo). Using a semi-preparative HPLC method, aroma extracts from these ten red wines were fractioned, isolating fruity notes for HPLC–Fruity Aromatic Reconstitutions (FAR). Through a free sorting task, three clusters emerged. Targeted GC-MS analysis highlighted nine compounds characterizing sensory clusters, including ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl 6-hydroxyhexanoate, linalool, α-terpineol, α- and β-ionones, hexanol and (Z)-3-hexenol. Through the realization of sensory profiles, it has been demonstrated that by incorporating these compounds into a fruity model solution, fresh red- and black-berry fruit notes are intensified.