The influence of skin contact during alcoholic fermentation on the aroma composition of Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia Istriana Vitis vinifera (L.) grape wines

Abstract

SummaryGrapes from the Vitis vinifera (L.) varieties Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia Istriana were subjected to two skin contact procedures: pomace maceration and whole berry maceration during alcoholic fermentation. Wine free volatile compounds were determined using two extraction techniques coupled to GC; odour activity values were calculated and compared to control wines without skin contact. The highest concentrations of esters and relative fruity impacts were determined in the control wines for both varieties. Pomace maceration was found to be an effective procedure for the extraction of varietal aroma compounds like terpenes, but only in the Malvasia Istriana was their higher impact on floral odour determined. Pomace maceration resulted in higher total phenol and methanol content. Whole berry maceration was less efficient in terpene extraction, and its impact on general wine composition was not so radical. Control wines were chosen as preferred wines for odour and overall impression.