Consecutive Vintages Research Articles

Performing sequential harvests based on berry sugar accumulation (mg/berry) to obtain specific wine sensory profiles

This study aimed to investigate the possible existence of reproducible aromatic red wine styles, focusing on fresh fruit aromas and mature fruit aromas (i.e., with dark, jammy fruit characteristics) and taking into account both vintage and vineyard.The study was performed on Australian Shiraz and Cabernet‑Sauvignon from three different meso-climate areas and two consecutive vintages. Sequential harvests were carried out based on the plateau of the physiological indicator berry sugar accumulation (mg/berry) in order to obtain fresh fruit and mature fruit wine sensory profiles. There was a predictable aromatic sequence during grape ripening at each of these two distinct maturity stages regardless of grape genotype (variety) and environment (vineyard and vintage). The post-plateau period of berry sugar accumulation was found to be crucial for the evolution of wine aromatic profiles. During this period, wine aromatic and phenolic maturity were uncoupled from technological maturity (i.e., berry sugar concentration). Dimethyl sulfide was found to be the most relevant wine aromatic marker for differentiating the fresh fruit and mature fruit stages irrespective of the variety. Specific cultivar markers with potential sensory contribution were also identified; for example, (Z)‐3‐hexenol, a possible contributor to the aromatic freshness of Shiraz wines from the fresh fruit stage. The evolution of terpenoids appeared to be separate from the dynamics of berry ripening post plateau of fruit sugar accumulation. On the other hand, ester composition was significantly altered during the same ripening period in Shiraz and Cabernet‑Sauvignon wines with a marked grape genotype effect. The results showed that yeast metabolism was also affected by berry ripening evolution from the plateau of berry sugar accumulation onwards.

Rootstock Effect on Volatile Composition of Albariño Wines

Background: Rootstock is a viticultural practice used to combat the devastating Phylloxera vitifoliae (Fitch). Additionally, it is well-known that wine aroma composition depends mainly on variety, viticulture management and winemaking; therefore, rootstocks can affect to berry quality. This study evaluated the influence of nine rootstocks (110R, SO4, 196-17C, Riparia G, 161-49C, 420A, Gravesac, 3309C and 41B) on volatile composition of Albariño wine in two consecutive vintages. Material and Methods: Volatile compounds belonging to eight groups (alcohols, C6-compounds, ethyl esters+acetates, terpenes + C13-norisoprenoids, volatile phenols, volatile acids, lactones and carbonyl compounds) were determined in Albariño wines by GC–MS, during 2009 and 2010 vintages. Results: Rootstock 110R had a positive influence on Albariño wines, increasing total volatile concentration, due mainly to 2-phenylethanol, decanoic and hexanoic acids, ethyl esters and acetates, and C13-norisoprenoids. However, the higher contribution of volatile fatty acids to Albariño wine was shown when grapevines were grafted onto SO4. Conclusions: This work provides new information about the impact of rootstocks on Albariño wine volatile composition, where 110R had a positive influence on Albariño wines under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Salnés Valley (Galicia, Spain).

Capturing yeast associated with grapes and spontaneous fermentations of the Negro Saur\xed minority variety from an experimental vineyard near Le\xf3n

‘Microbial terroir’ relates to the influence of autochthonous yeasts associated with a grape cultivar on the resultant wine. Geographic region, vineyard site and topography, climate and vintage influence the biodiversity of these microbial communities. Current research focus attempts to correlate their ‘microbial fingerprint’ to the sensorial and chemical characteristics of varietal wines from distinct geographical wine regions. This study focuses on the minor red grape variety, Negro Saurí, which has seen a resurgence in the León Appellation of Origin in Spain as a varietal wine. An experimental vineyard at Melgarajo S.A. (42° 15′ 48.68_N 5° 9′ 56.66_W) was sampled over four consecutive vintages, with autochthonous yeasts being isolated from grapes, must and pilot-scale un-inoculated fermentations, and identified by ITS sequencing. Forty-nine isolates belonging to Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Lachancea thermotolerans, Hanseniaspora uvarum and Torulaspora delbrueckii were isolated from grapes and must, and early stages of fermentation dependent on seasonal variation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae predominated throughout fermentation, as a heterogeneous and dynamic population, with seven major biotypes identified amongst 110 isolates across four consecutive vintages. Twenty-four S. cerevisiae isolates representing five strains dominated in two or more vintages. Their persistence through fermentation warrants further validation of their oenological properties as starter cultures.

Terroir and vintage discrimination of Malbec wines based on phenolic composition across multiple sites in Mendoza, Argentina

This study evaluated the phenolic profiles of Malbec wines made from grapes of 23 parcels distributed in 12 geographical indications (GIs) from Mendoza, Argentina. Wines were elaborated under standardized winemaking conditions over three consecutive vintages (2016–2018). Data discriminated wines from different GIs and parcels, based on an integrative data analysis by chemometric tools. Vintage effect and specific phenolic compounds were associated with some GIs or parcels. As well, regional climate conditions allowed partial discrimination of the GIs (and also some parcels). A random forest analysis correctly identified 11 out of 23 individual parcels across the different vintages. The most notorious compounds associated with such classification were p-coumaric acid, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, caffeic acid, quercetin and peonidin-3-O-glucoside. The presented research allows to individualize, through phenolic profiles, parcels with unique characteristics over years. This is the first report characterizing Malbec wines coming from several GIs (and individual parcels) in different vintages. These results are strongly related to terroir features of wines, contributing to a better communication to consumers and to position Argentinean wines.

Wine quality and berry size: a case study with Tempranillo Tinto progenies.

Small berry size is normally associated with quality wine production. However, the contribution of grapevine variety and environment to sensory quality has not been well established. In this study, genotypes from two intra-specific hybrid populations were categorized by size according to berry diameter and weight: small (< 13.5 mm, <1.5g), and large (>16 mm, >2g). Chemical and sensory attributes of wines produced in two consecutive vintages (2017 and 2018) from each size category were characterized. Perceived intrinsic wine quality was judged by 20 wine professionals. Wines obtained from small berry genotypes consistently displayed higher proportions of phenolic compounds and deeper color and were judged higher in quality regardless of genetic background and vintage. Perceived quality was positively correlated with anthocyanin and phenolic content. Wines presented high sensory variability in both vintages. Small berry size genotypes produced sweeter, fruitier wines with greater astringency; whereas wines from larger berries were perceived as more alcoholic and with lower positive aroma intensities. Berry size influenced color and phenolic compounds more than genotype or environment. Small berry-size genotypes were related to high quality judgements in both years, thus providing a predictor of wine categories, which could be used to meet different market demands. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Autochthonous Oenococcus oeni Strain to Avoid Histamine Formation in Red Wines: A Study in Real Winemaking Conditions

The production of wines with low biogenic amine (BA) concentrations is a current concern in the wine sector, and strategies to avoid the formation of BAs during winemaking are of particular interest. The aim of this work was to determine the influence of selected autochthonous Oenococcus oeni lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the BA content in red wines and their prevalence against the indigenous microbiota to avoid BA formation. Sixty-seven red wines were produced at industrial scale under real winemaking conditions for three consecutive vintages. For each wine, we determined LAB implantation and the BA concentrations at various stages of the winemaking process. The results clearly indicated that the use of selected O. oeni strains that are unable to produce BA, in combination with adapted biomass production, is a good strategy to control histamine production in wines. These practices, carried out over three consecutive years, were also observed to ensure the persistence of the selected autochthonous O. oeni strain (CECT 9749) against other indigenous microbiota in the entire winery. Furthermore, analysis of BA content during wine aging in barrels indicated that low BA content was maintained, resulting in healthier wines for the consumer.

1-Methylcyclopropene on Fruit Quality of Se-Enriched Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) during Shelf Life Period

Selenium (Se) deficiency in humans could be improved by biofortification of food with selenium, 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment is beneficial for the non-sulfur storage of fresh fruit. This study investigated fruit quality of table grape (Hutai No.8) with foliar Se fertilizer at maturity, and fruit quality changes of table grape during shelf life stages that caused by postharvest 1-MCP treatment in 2016 and 2017. The results showed that foliar Se fertilizer application significantly increased Se content in grape berries at maturity, and the raised rate were 43.09% and 33.24% compared to that of control in 2016 and 2017 respectively, meanwhile it increased the nutritional components in grape berries, including soluble proteins, soluble sugars, Vitamin C, total soluble solids, proanthocyanidin content and so on, and decreased the titratable acidity content. During shelf life stages, 1-MCP application decreased the decay number of grapes, and SE + 1-MCP treatment had the most excellent fruit quality among all treatments in two consecutive vintages. In conclusion, Se fertilizer application could increase Se content in grape berries, also improved the fruit nutritional and health care values at maturity. 1-MCP application could delay the process of ripening and senescence for Se-enriched grape and maintaining the postharvest quality of table grape during shelf life stages, it allows us to market the fruit at a more advanced ripening stage without quality loss.

Whole Cluster and Dried Stem Additions’ Effects on Chemical and Sensory Properties of Pinot noir Wines over Two Vintages

The effect of whole cluster at 50% (50% WC) and 100% additions (100% WC), as well as that of Dried stems (DS) on Pinot noir wines from the Edna Valley AVA of California (USA) were investigated over two consecutive vintages at commercial scale. Additions of 100% WC led to significant increases in pH and volatile acidity. Anthocyanins, polymeric pigments, and color were more influenced by vintage than by the winemaking treatments, but in the case of 100% WC wines, they were either unaffected or negatively affected. Conversely, the tannin content of the wines increased more or less proportional to the percentage of whole clusters and stems added, that is, 68% (50% WC), 100% (100% WC) and 90% (DS) in 2016 and 61% (50% WC), 123% (100% WC) and 137% (DS) in 2017, relative to Control (C) wines. GC-MS data showed higher relative levels of ethyl cinnamate and benzaldehyde in 100% WC wines and relative abundance of esters in DS wines. Descriptive sensory analysis showed that 100% WC additions led to vegetal, cooked fruit flavors and spicy (clove) notes, whereas DS additions produced wines that were more herbal, fruity and astringent, with lifted fruity notes related to esters, and astringency sensations related to enhanced tannin extraction from the stems. Both whole clusters and dried stem additions led to variable increases in perceived astringency, suggesting that they can be used to add mouthfeel and improve texture in Pinot noir wines.

Carbohydrate composition of red wines during early aging and incidence on spoilage by Brettanomyces bruxellensis

Wine is generally considered as hostile medium in which spoilage microbes have to manage with many abiotic factors among which low nutrient content. Wines elaborated in 8 wineries were sampled during the first summer of aging over two consecutive vintages, and analysed for carbohydrate composition. This revealed the systematic presence of many carbohydrates including those useful for the spoilage yeast Brettanomyces bruxellensis. However, during the first summer of aging, the changes in wine carbohydrate composition were low and it was difficult to assess how much carbohydrate composition contributed to wine spoilage by B. bruxellensis. Subsequent laboratory experiments in inoculated wines showed that the sugars preferentially consumed in wine by the spoilage yeast are d-glucose, d-fructose, and trehalose, whatever the yeast strain considered. The addition of these sugars to red wines accelerates the yeast growth and the volatile phenols formation. Although probably not the only promoting factor, the presence of high amounts of metabolisable sugars thus really increases the risk of “brett” spoilage.

Effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. Leaves Treatment on the Antioxidant Capacity, Total Phenol Content and Sensory Profile of Moschofilero Wines Vinified with and without Added Sulphites

This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity, total phenol content, and sensory profile of selected Greek wines made from Vitis vinifera L. c.v. Moschofilero in two consecutive vintages, treated with powdered Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaves (HRL). Radical Scavenging activity, reducing power, total phenol content (TPC), and color intensity increased in a linear manner in relation to HRL treatments. Indicatively the addition of 0.8 g/L of HRL increased the radical scavenging activity as determined via the inhibition of the 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical from 28.4 to 55.8% in comparison to the initial values. Equally the reducing power as determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay increased from 35.3 to 62.1%, and total phenol content values increased from 11% to 23.7% and the color intensity increased from 39.9 to 50.7%. The main oenological attributes examined, remained unchanged after the HRL addition. The addition of up to 0.4 g/L of HRL did not have a major impact on the organoleptic characteristics of the wines tasted whereas concentrations higher than 0.8 g/L were not considered beneficial. Results denote that the addition of H. rhamnoides leaves to white wines contributes positively to the overall antioxidant capacity and could be used if authorized as an antioxidant agent in wines vinified in the absence of or in synergy with sulphur dioxide.

Effect of Grapevine Canopy Side on Selected Sensory Attributes of Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

Grapevine row direction, canopy exposure and grape maturity can define the sensory attributes of wine. From this perspective, canopy exposure that favours colour intensity, astringency, aroma intensity and balanced acidity could result in improved wine quality. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of canopy exposure on selected sensory attributes of Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Paarl, Durbanville and Darling in South Africa. Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were harvested from both sides of the canopy of vines planted to E-W and N-S directions. Wines were made from the harvested grapes. Grapes and wines underwent physicochemical and sensory analysis. Durbanville Cabernet Sauvignon from the south side had decreased alcohol content. Total acidity, residual sugar (RS) and pH were not different between sides. Wines from the east side had increased colour, aroma, mouthfeel and overall quality. Paarl Cabernet Sauvignon was not different between sides for any physicochemical characteristics, except TA. Wines from the south side had increased colour, aroma, mouthfeel and overall quality. Darling Pinotage was not different between sides for any physicochemical characteristics. Wines from the west side had increased intensity of aroma and acidity, whereas Durbanville Pinotage from the east side had increased alcohol, pH, TA, colour and aroma intensity, as well as overall quality. The results confirm that canopy exposure has an effect on the wine sensory attributes. This investigation illustrates the variation in sensory attribute scores of Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from different canopy sides. Canopy exposure in a vineyard of a specific region, orientated to an E-W or N-S direction, which favours colour intensity, aroma intensity and/or mouthfeel, could result in improved wine quality. Future investigations should focus on samples collected over at least three consecutive vintages, as well as the monitoring of temperature and photosynthetic active radiation.

Fertility of buds and pruning recommendation of different grapevine varieties grown in altitude regions of Santa Catarina State, Brazil

ABSTRACT Low bud fertility index is frequently observed in different grapevine varieties grown in high altitude of Santa Catarina Sate; in many cases less than one cluster per bud is observed. The objective of this study was to assess bud fertility of twenty six Vitis vinifera L. varieties and from this information, to recommend the method of pruning more suitable for these varieties in high altitude conditions. The grapevine canes and buds were collected from production vineyards located in Sao Joaquim, Santa Catarina State, in two consecutive vintages. Fifteen cane cuttings containing 10 nodes per variety were collected to determine bud fertility and placed in a growth chamber with controlled relative humidity, light, temperature. After budbreak, buds were classified as fertile or non-fertile according to the presence or absence of the inflorescence. The bud fertility varies according to the variety and its position in the cane. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Caiada, which present higher fertility in basal buds, are recommended for short or long pruning. The varieties Chardonnay, Manzoni Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Pinot Gris, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Montepulciano, and Touriga Nacional should be pruned preferentially in long pruning. While the varieties Viognier, Glera (Prosecco), Fiano, Garganega, Vermentino, Nebbiolo, Teroldego, Rebo, Canaiolo Nero and Touriga Francesa must be pruned exclusively with long pruning in order to ensure adequate cluster production.

Amino Acid Profiles to Differentiate White Wines from Three Autochtonous Galician Varieties.

Amino acids play a relevant role in wine quality and can allow for classifying wines according to the variety. In this work, the amino acid contents of Albariño, Godello, and Treixadura wines, three autochthonous varieties from Galicia (NW Spain), were determined. During three consecutive vintages, these varieties were grown on the same vineyard and were harvested at optimum maturity, and the wines were elaborated following the same enological protocol. The identification and quantification of the primary amino acids were carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection, after a derivatization. Amino acid contents in these white varieties were within the range of values reported for other European wines, but Treixadura wines showed the highest concentrations, while wines from the Albariño variety showed the lowest contents. Apart from proline, whose concentrations were caused by yeast release, the most abundant amino acids were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, arginine, asparagine, alanine, and histidine. Principal component analysis separated wines by variety according to their amino acid contents.

Exogenous calcium deflects grape berry metabolism towards the production of more stilbenoids and less anthocyanins

Calcium supplements have increasingly been used at pre- and post-harvest stages for improving fruit firmness, but elevated calcium levels in grape cells were shown to reduce total anthocyanin content. In this study, we hypothesized that exogenous calcium influences specific polyphenolic compounds, and performed targeted UPLC-MS analysis in fruits collected from vines cv. “Vinhão” sprayed with 2% (w/v) CaCl2 throughout the fruiting season, in two consecutive vintages, and in grape cell cultures elicited with calcium. Results showed that anthocyanin content is reduced upon calcium treatment, while stilbenoid synthesis is generally stimulated, in line with UFGT and STS expression patterns. The main metabolites involved in this response were malvidin-3-O-glucoside, E-piceid, E-ε-viniferin and E-resveratrol. The accumulation of phenolic acids, catechin and some quercetin derivatives was also favored by calcium, while other flavonols and flavan-3-ols were affected according to the vintage and berry developmental stage. In cell cultures, the entire flavonoid pathway was repressed.

Phenolic compounds profile of different berry parts from novel Vitis vinifera L. red grape genotypes and Tempranillo using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS: A varietal differentiation tool

The detailed phenolic composition of different berry parts from two novel V. vinifera L. red grape genotypes (Moribel and Tinto Fragoso), together the well-known Tempranillo, was established using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) over two consecutive vintages (2016 and 2017). More than 50 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified: 25 anthocyanins, 17 flavonols, 7 hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, 2 stilbenes, and several flavan-3-ols. As far as we know, some anthocyanin and flavonol dihexosides were reported for the first time in V. vinifera L. grapes. Application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to experimental data showed a good separation of the novel grape genotypes and Tempranillo according to the phenolic profile of skins and seeds, mainly based on the proportion of trisubstituted anthocyanin derivatives, flavonols and flavan-3-ols, being a useful tool to differentiate these grape varieties.

Mapping vineyard vigor using airborne remote sensing: relations with yield, berry composition and sanitary status under humid climate conditions

The aim of this study was to assess the spatial variability of plant vigor in a vineyard in a humid climate. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used for relating the vigor level to grapevine performance and, as a new area, with the anthocyanin and organic acid compositions of the berries. The study was performed in a rain-fed vineyard with the Tannat cultivar, vertically trellised, during three consecutive vintages (2015–2017). NDVI was estimated from high-resolution images acquired using airborne sensors, which allowed differentiation of three vigor levels within the vineyard: high, medium and low. Three plots per vigor level were installed for performing samplings and field measurements. High vigor zones were associated with less water-stressed vines, higher yields, incidence of bunch rot, larger berries, total acidities and total anthocyanins concentrations. Low vigor zones corresponded to higher pH, soluble solids and phenolic contents in the berries. Medium vigor zones were associated with higher leaf surface, pruning weights, cluster average weights and greater extractable anthocyanins concentrations. The effect of weather conditions of each growing season on grapevine water status was a major factor influencing the analysed variables. NDVI values allowed for delineating areas with homogeneous vigor within the vineyard, which corresponded with different plant performance, showing the usefulness of this tool for site-specific management under the studied conditions.

Foliar application of methyl jasmonate to Graciano and Tempranillo vines: effects on grape amino acid content during two consecutive vintages

Aim: The study of elicitors in grapevines has focused on inducing resistance to diseases and improving phenolic and volatile composition of grapes and wines. Due to the importance of nitrogen compounds in grape quality, the aim of this work was to study the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJ) applied to two grapevine varieties on grape amino acid content during two consecutive seasons.Methods and results: Amino acids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The results showed that MeJ applications to Tempranillo grapevines decreased the concentration of certain amino acids during both seasons, but did not affect total amino acid content. Moreover, MeJ applications to Graciano grapevines increased the concentration of several amino acids during the second season.Conclusions: The effects of MeJ on grape amino acid concentration were conditioned by variety and vintage.Significance and impact of the study: The importance of this work is to provide more information with respect to the effects of elicitors on grape quality for good viticultural management.

Comparison of Sangiovese wines obtained from stabilized organic and biodynamic vineyard management systems

Sangiovese red wines produced from organic (ORG) and biodynamic (BDN) vineyards over two consecutive vintages (2011 and 2012) were compared for chemical and sensory parameters to investigate a sustainable approach to grape production. The effects of management practice, vintage, and their interaction were investigated. The ORG wines showed higher total acidity and lower volatile acidity and pH. Although trained panelists highlighted some differences in astringency and odor complexity between ORG and BDN wines, consumers had no preference. The concentrations of anthocyanins, phenolic and cinnamic acids, and flavonols, as well as colour components, did not differ—contrary to results from the conversion period from ORG to BDN (2009 and 2010) in the same vineyard (Parpinello, Rombolà, Simoni, & Versari, 2015). Together, these two studies demonstrate that ORG and BDN wine characteristics tend to be similar after the first year of conversion, indicating that the BDN method can produce high-quality Sangiovese wine.

Investigation of geographic origin of wine from border regions: Results from investigation of two vintages

Investigation on discrimination of geographic origin in border areas is carried out by investigating and comparing authentic wine samples from the border areas of Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia (and from Serbia) by applying different physico-chemical methods (e.g. IRMS, NMR, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, EPR, HPLC, UV-VIS, etc…). The comparison of the data sets from the participating countries and the different applied methods demonstrates, to which extent a differentiation can still be achieved in the border areas of the respective countries, which methods prove most efficient and sensitive and if a combination of methods leads to an increased sensitivity. Furthermore, we also investigate the potential causes for the differentiation, as the environment, different agricultural practices or enology. Analysis of two consecutive vintages shows significant variations between the two years, complicating direct comparison of regions beyond individual vintages. Still, several parameters are identified enabling correct and complete differentiation. However, some of them have been found to represent lab effects, whereas others are interpreted as resulting from different agricultural practices or environmentally driven. Only the latter two ones, if consistent, can be used for discrimination of geographic origin.

Investigating the relationship between grape cell wall polysaccharide composition and the extractability of phenolic compounds into Shiraz wines. Part I: Vintage and ripeness effects.

Phenolic compounds play an important role in colour stability and sensory properties of red wine. This study evaluated berry skin cell wall composition and how this influences grape and wine phenolics at different ripeness levels (21°Brix, 23°Brix, and 25°Brix) over two consecutive vintages. The vintage effect was highly significant, especially in the pectin fraction of the grape cell walls and affected the concentrations of certain phenolics extracted. The climatic variance between the seasons might have influenced the differences observed in the grape cell wall compositions. Firstly, a higher grape and wine phenolic content, especially in polymeric phenols, was found in 2015 wines. Additionally, grape berry cell walls, especially at the earliest stages of ripening, were found to be more intact in 2015 than in 2016. Thus, a possible relationship was found between the degree of berry intactness, especially for pectin-rich components, and the corresponding phenolic extractability during the winemaking.