Base Wine Research Articles

Exploring the relationship between field available water capacity (AWC) and atypical aging (ATA) development in base wines.

Hydric stress is a leading cause of atypical aging (ATA) in wine, characterized by unpleasant olfactory notes. The main sensorial and chemical marker of ATA is 2-aminoacetophenone (AAP). Early detection of ATA before the second fermentation in sparkling wines (SWs) is crucial for producing high-quality products. Climate change-induced droughts significantly impact agriculture, including grape farming, particularly in vineyards with shallow soils and reduced available water capacity (AWC). This study examined the relationship between AWC and ATA in base wines (BWs) intended for SW production. Ten vineyards were classified into three AWC categories (low, medium, and high). Hydric stress levels were monitored over two growing seasons to explore their effects on vegeto-productive behavior and AAP development. During the first vintage, drought conditions led to potentially ATA-tainted BWs across all AWC classes. The impact varied with AWC, with low-AWC vineyards experiencing higher stress and producing BWs with elevated AAP levels and vegeto-productive imbalance. In contrast, the following season had unusual rainfall, resulting in some potentially ATA-affected BWs, but no significant differences in AAP content or vegeto-productive balance among the AWC classes were observed. In conclusion, grapevines on low-AWC soils are at a higher risk of producing faulty BWs, particularly in dry vintages.

Impact of fig maceration under various conditions on physicochemical and sensory attributes of wine vinegar: A comprehensive characterization study.

In this work, wine vinegars macerated with figs under different conditions have been characterized for the first time. Samples were analyzed by solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, sensory and physicochemical analysis. The results revealed that fig maceration of wine vinegars influenced the physicochemical, sensory, and volatile profiles of the final product, which were mainly affected by the fig amount (10, 20 or 30%), the fig type (fresh or dry) and the base wine vinegar (young or aged) used, and to a lesser extent the way the fig was added (crushed or chopped). The maceration, regardless the conditions used, increased the fruity notes, overall taste and visual impression, the tonality, total polyphenols and sugar content, and the presence of some volatile compounds, mainly terpenes and ketones, such as (Z)-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol, or β-damascenone. Therefore, maceration increased the organoleptic complexity, which could enhance the acceptability of consumers towards these products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research studied how wine vinegars macerated with figs affect in different ways their taste, smell, and chemical properties. Thus, the results showed that these wine vinegars made with fig maceration by using different amounts and types of figs, as well as the type of vinegar used, changed their characteristics, making them smell and taste fruitier and more pleasant. This could be useful for making better-tasting and more appealing vinegars for consumers who enjoy unique and enhanced flavors in their food.

Modeling the Change in Amino Acid and Peptide Contents during the Aging of Bottled-Fermented Sparkling Wines by Image Processing Methods

In this study, natural sparkling wine was produced using a mixture (1:1) of Emir and Dimrit grapes harvested (Around the Urgup District of Turkey). The change of free amino acid and peptide contents in sparkling wine depending on the aging time and yeasts (free and immobilized forms of the Saccharomyces bayanus and Saccharomyces oviformis) used in the second fermentation stage were examined by image processing methods. The immobilized yeasts were determined as more than the free ones along the second fermentation. It was also determined that the yeast type does not have a significant effect on both the peptides and free amino acid contents of sparkling wines and these contents were divided into 3 classes from high to low by measuring separately along the aging time. The amino acid contents of sparkling wines reached the highest level between the 335th and 365th days of aging time and also exceeded the amino acid contents of base wine.

Improving wine fermentation efficiency of Torulaspora delbrueckii by increasing the ploidy of yeast inocula

The life cycle of most non-conventional yeasts, such as Torulaspora delbrueckii (Td), is not as well-understood as that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc). Td is generally assumed to be haploid, which detracts from some biotechnological properties compared to diploid Sc strains. We analyzed the life cycle of several Td wine strains and found that they were mainly diploid during exponential growth in rich medium. However, most cells became haploid in stationary phase, as observed for Sc haploid heterothallic strains. When transferred and incubated in nutrient-deficient media, these haploid cells became polymorphic, enlarged, and transitioned to diploid or polyploid states. The increased ploidy, that mainly results from supernumerary mitosis without cytokinesis, was followed by sporulation. A similar response was observed in yeasts that remained alive during the second fermentation of base wine for sparkling wine making, or during growth in ethanol-supplemented medium. This response was not observed in the Sc yeast populations under any of the experimental conditions assayed, which suggests that it is a specific adaptation of Td to the stressful fermentation conditions. This response allows Td yeasts to remain alive and metabolically active longer during wine fermentation. Consequently, we designed procedures to increase the cell size and ploidy of haploid Td strains. Td inocula with increased ploidy showed enhanced fermentation efficiency compared to haploid inocula of the same strains.

Non-targeted metabolomic analysis of lotus leaf and lotus seed wine

Non-targeted metabolomics was used to analyze the active substances in Lotus Leaf and Lotus Seed Liquor to study their types and distribution characteristics, and to screen characteristic markers used to distinguish Lotus Leaf and Lotus Seed Liquor. The results showed that through analysis and screening, a total of 198 metabolically active substances were identified in the wine samples. A total of 74 differential metabolites were found in lotus leaf lotus seed wine and ordinary liquor base wine, among which matrine, eucalyptol and isoferulic acid The expression difference in lotus leaf and lotus seed wine is obvious, and it can be used as an identification marker of lotus leaf and lotus seed wine.

Instrumental and sensory tools to evaluate the production potential of a new type of sparkling wine from umbu (Spondias tuberosa)

Umbu is a native fruit from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome, which is a source of income for families involved in extractivism. This fruit is highly perishable and production losses have been experienced. The production of sparkling wine can be a strategy for better use and to add value to this fruit. Furthermore, consumers have been attracted to innovative beverages, produced with alternative raw materials and with an exotic and pleasant aroma. The potential for producing sparkling wine from umbu was evaluated through physical-chemical, instrumental (gas chromatography with detection by mass spectrometry and olfactometry) and sensory analyses (acceptance test, Just-about-right (JAR) scale, and penalty analysis). Both the base wine and the sparkling wine meet all regulatory physicochemical parameters. The volatile profile of umbu pulp contains mainly terpenes (55%), while esters predominated in the base and sparkling wines (32 and 33%, respectively). In sparkling wines, hexanoic acid (3114 mg L−1) and linalool (1266 mg L−1) were the major compounds. Among the 26 odor-active compounds of sparkling wines are mainly ethyl esters with fruity aroma (acetate, decanoate, and 2-phenylacetate; OSME area: 4.8, 4.8, and 5.0%, respectively), and terpenes with floral notes (p-cymene, geranic oxide and linalool; OSME area: 8.5, 7.4, and 6.9%, respectively). The acceptance and purchase intention tests endorsed the commercialization expectation, although JAR scale and penalty analysis showed that the umbu aroma and sweetness may be improved. The potential of umbu for the production of sparkling wines has been proven, which satisfies the current market demand for innovative beverages.

Free and encapsulated yeasts for the production of sparkling wines

The increase in the consumption of sparkling wines has influenced the search for alternatives that facilitate the production of sparkling wines. The use of encapsulated yeasts (yeasts enclosed in a calcium alginate gel capsule), allows for the elimination of the remixing process, reducing the time necessary for its production. The aim of this work was to evaluate sparkling wines produced using the traditional method (Champenoise) using free yeast and encapsulated yeast. The base wine made from Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir grapes was used. Four treatments were tried: T1 (free yeast - dègorgement after three months), T2 (free yeast - dègorgement after six months), T3 (encapsulated yeast - dègorgement after three months) and T4 (encapsulated yeast - dègorgement after six months). The physicochemical analyzes were carried out six months after filling, and the sensory evaluations were conducted after performing the dègorgement, in three and six months. The use of encapsulated yeasts in the champenoise method reduces steps and simplifies the process of making sparkling wines, since the immobilized cells settle rapidly, making it possible to dègorgement immediately. The use of encapsulated yeasts does not impair the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of sparkling wines produced using the champenoise method.

Research on PSO‐SVM base wine grade recognition based on Max‐Relevance and Min‐Redundancy feature selection

SummaryIn response to the challenges inherent in Baijiu classification, characterized by ambiguity and limited methodologies, this study introduces a novel framework for comprehensive Baijiu brewing process management. By integrating mathematical models and machine learning algorithms, our aim is to standardize and enhance the accuracy of the Baijiu brewing process. Through a meticulous analysis of 13 input features using the MRMR algorithm, we identified key variables that significantly influence base wine grades. Subsequently, we compared the efficacy of support vector machine (SVM) algorithms under three kernel functions for base wine grading classification. Additionally, we developed an enhanced particle swarm‐support vector machine (IPSO‐SVM) algorithm, which incorporates nonlinearly decreasing inertia weights to enhance global and local search capabilities. Evaluation metrics, including accuracy and F1‐SCORE, were employed to assess the model's performance. Our experimental results demonstrate that IPSO‐SVM significantly improves convergence speed and accuracy, achieving a classification accuracy of 98.31% on the test set with an F1‐SCORE of 98.18%. Furthermore, experimental tests conducted at a prominent strong‐flavored wine enterprise in China validated the model's effectiveness, revealing no significant difference in grading quality between model and manual Baijiu classification, with a mean error below 1%. This study presents a pioneering approach to digitize and standardize Baijiu classification processes, laying theoretical foundations for the development of intelligent Baijiu classification systems.

The Oxidative Stability of Champagne Base Wines Aged on Lees in Barrels: A 2-Year Study.

In contrast with the elaboration of still wines, the impact of barrel aging before the "prise de mousse" on the aging potential of Champagne base wines has not been studied so far. In the present study, the oxidative stability and related molecular fingerprints of Chardonnay Champagne base wines were reported after 1 year of on lees ageing in new oak barrels for two consecutive vintages. Regardless of the vintage, on lees ageing in new oak barrels improved the wines' oxidative stability estimated by DPPH assay at 1 year, while UHPLC-Q-ToF-MS molecular profiling showed clear chemical modifications according to the ageing period. Oak wood molecular ellagitannins followed a linear extraction during barrel ageing for both vintages. However, the wines' antioxidant metabolome composed by antiradical and nucleophilic compounds clearly appeared vintage- and barrel-aging dependent. These results enrich the understanding of white wines antioxidant metabolome and improve the knowledge of the ageing potential of Chardonnay Champagne base wines by integrating vintage- and barrel-ageing effects.

Evaluating the Atypical Aging Potential Development in Sparkling Wines Can Be Achieved by Assessing the Base Wines at the End of the Alcoholic Fermentation.

Traditional sparkling wine production is a lengthy and costly process, involving a double fermentation step and a period of aging sur lie; thus, monitoring quality during the key manufacturing stages is crucial. The effects of the second fermentation on the development of 2-aminoacetophenone (AAP), the main marker of the atypical aging (ATA) defect, were investigated on 55 base wines (BWs) and corresponding sparkling wines (SWs) produced in an experimental winery. While the AAP content of the SWs was observed to be higher than the BWs, it was found that an artificial aging test carried out on the BWs could be a good predictor of ATA development in SWs. Further, the antioxidant capacity of the SWs was noticed to correlate well with the potential AAP formed during accelerated aging. Finally, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model of linearization capable of predicting AAP formation in SWs using the data obtained from the corresponding BWs was created.

Study on the foaming ability of varietal wines produced in the conditions of various terroirs of the Krasnodar region

This study was devoted to the issue of the ability of varietal base wines to form foam and the correlation of this indicator with terroir and the level of concentration of surfactants. The work used samples from the grape varieties Pinot Blanc, Rhein Riesling and Chardonnay, grown and processed in the village of Abrau-Durso and the Temryuk region of the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation. As a result of the study, a correlation was established between the ability to make foam and the composition of the main surfactants. It was found that the samples obtained during the 2023 processing season in the Temryuk region of the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation - Pinot Blanc-2 and Rhein Riesling-2 - had the greatest ability to make foam (22.4 and 22.3 s, respectively).

Comparison of ancestral and traditional methods for elaborating sparkling wines

This work compares the ancestral method for elaborating sparkling wines with the most widely used traditional method. Ancestral method is a single fermentation procedure in which the fermenting grape must is bottled before the end of alcoholic fermentation whereas traditional method involves a second fermentation of a base wine inside a bottle. Macabeo grapes were used to elaborate a traditional sparkling wine and two ancestral sparkling wines, one with a low yeast population and one with a high yeast population. The findings indicate that ancestral sparkling wines have lower ethanol content and can be elaborated using lower sulphur dioxide levels. In general, ancestral sparkling wines showed similar protein concentration, higher polysaccharide content, similar or better foamability (HM) than the traditional sparkling wine., No differences were found in the foam stability (HS). In addition, the sensory analysis indicated that ancestral sparkling wines have smaller bubble size, lower CO2 aggressivity, they seemed to have longer ageing time and were scored better than the traditional sparkling wine. These results therefore indicate that the ancestral method is of great interest for the elaboration of high-quality sparkling wines.

ВЛИЯНИЕ СОРТОВОГО ФАКТОРА НА ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ПЕНООБРАЗУЮЩЕЙ СПОСОБНОСТИ ВИНОМАТЕРИАЛОВ

Currently, the production of high-quality sparkling wines is one of the main tasks in wine-making. The indicator of foamy and sparkling properties of finished sparkling wines directly depends on the ability of the base wine to foam. This indicator is influenced by various factors: the grape variety, the composition of the wine material, the agrotechnological and technological methods used. The main purpose of the study was to study the influence of varietal characteristics of grapes on the foaming ability of wine materials produced in the Krasnodar region in the 2022 season. All the original samples were processed and fermented under identical conditions. The study of the component composition of the samples was carried out according to standard methods using modern equipment. To determine the ability of foam formation by the initial samples, a "Foaming analyzer" was used, developed by Mishin M.V. on the basis of the Department of Technology of Wine-making and Fermentation named after Professor A.A. Merzhanian, which allows an objective assessment of the quality of foam. The foaming ability of three introduced grape varieties was analyzed: Pinot Blanc, Riesling Rhenish and Chardonnay. The result of the study was the establishment of a connection between the foaming ability of wine materials and the grape variety. In the course of the study, it was found that all the samples under study, both in terms of chemical composition and organoleptic evaluation of the aroma, were suitable for creating sparkling wine. However, according to the totality of the composition (esters, higher alcohols and amino acids), wine materials from the Riesling Rhenish variety had the greatest potential for the formation of foaming capacity for the 2022 season in the Temryuk district of the Krasnodar region.

Addition of Organic Acids to Base Wines: Impacts on the Technological Characteristics and the Foam Quality of Sparkling Wines.

Climate change is causing a significant decrease in the total acidity of grapes and related wines. This represents a serious issue for sparkling wine production. Consequently, before the second fermentation, the acidification of base wines is often necessary. However, the impacts of the most important organic acids on the foam properties of sparkling wines are not yet well known. The impacts of the addition of tartaric, malic, citric, and lactic acid on the quality of Falanghina and Bombino sparkling wines were evaluated. Analyses were performed soon after the second fermentation and one year after aging sur lees. The addition of each different organic acid to the two base wines resulted in significant changes in the sparkling wines not only in terms of pH, titratable acidity, and buffering capacity but also in the content of total amino acids and, in some cases, in the height of the foam and its stability over time. For both grape varieties, acidified wines showed a lower content of total amino acids in comparison with the control wines. The addition of lactic acid determined a higher persistency of the foam even after one year of aging sur lees only in Falanghina wines. The results obtained herein highlight the importance of organic acids and the pH of the base wines for the content of amino acids in sparkling wines. No strict correlation between organic acid addition and the foamability of wines was observed.

Strategies on aroma formation in Chardonnay sparkling base wine: Different Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, co-inoculation with Torulaspora delbrueckii and utilization of bentonite.

The worldwide production of sparkling wines has been growing annually, driven by a market demand for high quality and more complex products. The present study aimed to evaluate the fermentation of Chardonnay must using two different Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts, either alone (from commercial brands A and B) or in combination with Torulaspora delbrueckii (ScA+Td and ScB+Td, respectively), as well as the addition of bentonite to the fermentation with ScA (ScA+Ben), to investigate their impact on aroma formation in sparkling base wine. Enological parameters, volatile composition, and sensory profile were evaluated. The results showed notable differences in total sulfur dioxide and volatile acidity among the S. cerevisiae strains. Moreover, the esters ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, hexyl acetate, and phenethyl acetate showed significant differences among treatments. Esters are recognized for their contribution to fruity and floral aromas, making them an essential part of the aromatic profile of wines. The descriptive analysis revealed that ScB+Td had the highest intensity of floral and tropical fruit notes, as well as aromatic clarity. The use of bentonite did not affect the aromatic composition or sensory profile of the wine. Therefore, the co-inoculation of S. cerevisiae with T. delbrueckii can lead to a base wine with a higher intensity of important volatile compounds and sensory attributes, providing an important alternative to produce winery products with a more complex aroma profile.

<i>Agaricus bisporus</i> chitosan influences the concentrations of caftaric acid and furan-derived compounds in Pinot noir juice and base wine

Chitosan is a fining agent used in winemaking, although its use in juice and wine beyond fining has been limited until now. Therefore, this study's first aim was to determine if chitosan derived from Agaricus bisporus (button mushrooms) could reduce caffeic and caftaric acid concentrations in Pinot noir grape juice (Study A). The second aim was to determine if chitosan, when added to base wine, could influence the synthesis of furan-derived compounds during storage (Study B). In Study A, Pinot noir grape juice was stored at 10 °C for 18 hours after the following treatments: control (no addition), bentonite/activated charcoal (BAC), low molecular weight (< 3 kDa; LMW) chitosan, med. MW (250 kDa; MMW) chitosan, and high MW (422 kDa; HMW) chitosan (all 1 g/L additions). Caftaric acid was decreased, and total amino acid concentration was increased in the LMW chitosan-treated juice, while the estimated total hydroxycinnamic acid content, turbidity, and browning were decreased in the MMW chitosan-treated juice compared to the control. In Study B, Pinot noir base wine destined for sparkling wine was stored at 15 and 30 °C for 90 days with the following treatments: control (no addition), LMW chitosan, MMW chitosan, and HMW chitosan (all 1 g/L additions). The three chitosan treatments stored at 30 °C had increased furfural, homofuraneol, and 5-methylfurfural formation in the base wine compared to the control. At 15 °C, furfural and homofuraneol had greater concentrations in all chitosan-treated wines after 90 days of storage. Our results demonstrate the potential of mushroom-derived chitosan to remove caftaric acid from grape juice and suggest that chitosan can influence the synthesis of furan-derived compounds in wine after short-term storage.

Innovations in Sparkling Wine Production: A Review on the Sensory Aspects and the Consumer’s Point of View

Sparkling wines have a relevant economic value, and they are mostly produced worldwide with the Traditional method (in bottles) or with the Charmat method (in autoclaves). Many varieties are employed in different viticultural areas to obtain white or rosé wines and red (Italy and Australia), with different sugar content. This review illustrates the most recent studies (last 5 years) on sparkling wines concerning innovative yeasts, aromatic profile, aging on lees, sugar types, base wine, new varieties, and innovative oenological techniques, which consider the effects on the sensory characteristics and the consumer preferences.

The Role of Potent Thiols in “Empyreumatic” Flint/Struck-Match/Mineral Odours in Chardonnay Wine

Background and Aims. A wide range of Chardonnay styles exist on the market, from fruit-forward examples to wines displaying “empyreumatic” aromas such as flint, smoky, mineral, and struck-match. The thiols 2-furylmethanethiol and phenylmethanethiol have been linked to these aromas, and this study aimed to determine the contribution of these compounds to specific sensory properties in Chardonnay wines, as well as the consumer acceptance of wine displaying “empyreumatic” aromas. Methods and Results. Twenty-four Australian and New Zealand Chardonnay wines were selected for volatile analysis and quantitative sensory descriptive analysis. Consumer liking of a subset of six wines was also determined, and a further sensory study involving additions of the thiols to a base wine was conducted. Partial least squares regression showed that flint/struck-match/mineral aromas were related to 2-furylmethanethiol concentration with phenylmethanethiol less well associated. The odorant addition study confirmed that 2-furylmethanethiol directed flint/struck-match/mineral aromas and exerted strong suppression of other aromas while phenylmethanethiol played a lesser role. Consumer acceptance (n = 92) was overall lower for wines displaying high flint/struck-match/mineral aromas, although cluster analysis of the liking scores identified a sizeable consumer group (33%) who preferred wines with this attribute. Conclusions. The potent thiol 2-furylmethanethiol was indicated to be the primary contributor to flint/struck-match/mineral aromas in Chardonnay wines, with phenylmethanethiol playing a subordinate role. Significance of the Study. Increased concentration of 2-furylmethanethiol and the conferred “empyreumatic” odours should be carefully considered when producing wine styles to appeal to consumers.

Insights into the grape must composition effect on Hanseniaspora vineae performance and metabolic aroma compounds in Chardonnay base wine for sparkling wine production

This study compares the performance of Hanseniaspora vineae (Hv) under mixed culture fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with a conventional control (Sc) for the production of base wine. Hv exhibited fermentation kinetics comparable to controls when its nutritional requirements were satisfied. Volatile acidity in Hv from one batch was significantly lower (–0.3 g/L) compared to the controls, while in the other two batches the levels were equal. Interestingly, Hv trials showed a significant degradation of malic acid (–0.9 g/L on average) without variations of pH. Even though the matrix influenced the volatile composition, the characteristic features of H. vineae remained intact, with 24-fold higher levels of 2-phenylethyl acetate. There was no higher production of 2-aminoacetophenone, albeit tryptophan (known as a 2-aminoacetophenone precursor) is a preferred amino acid for H. vineae. Results suggest the potential of H. vineae to produce base wine with a broad spectrum of aroma compounds that increase flavor complexity, if obtained from nutrient-balanced grape musts.

The effect of mineral nutrition systems as an element of cultivation technology of wine grape varieties on their productivity in the conditions of Crimea

The article presents study results of 2021-2022, conducted in the soil and climatic conditions of the South Coastal and South-Western viticulture zones of Crimea on valuable wine grape varieties ‘Muscat Blanc’, ‘Cabernet-Sauvignon’ and ‘Rkatsiteli’. It was established that the use of experimental system of mineral nutrition with fertilizers of LLC “TD Izagri” on grape plantings during two growing seasons contributed to a significant increase in the growth of green matter of bushes on average by 154.1 cm3 (5.2%) for different varieties. It was concluded that five-fold foliar top dressing of vineyards with the studied mineral fertilizers led to an increase in the bunch weight by 5.7-16.8 g (4.8-7.7%), shoot productivity by an average of 6.3%, and an increase in the cropping capacity by 3.4-11.7% (4.2-18 c/ha), compared with the control variants. It was noted that the use of experimental systems of mineral nutrition against the background of grape productivity increasing raised the level of sugar concentration in grape must by an average of 5.4% (11.7 g/dm3). Based on the results obtained, it was proven that using of mineral fertilizers for two years did not have a negative effect on the quality of base wines obtained from grapes of the studied wine varieties.