Indigenous Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Strains Research Articles

Impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains on Health-Promoting Compounds in Wine

Moderate wine consumption is associated with human health benefits (reduction of cardiovascular risk and neurodegenerative diseases, decrease of onset of certain cancers) attributed to a series of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols, with antioxidant power capable of counteracting the negative action of free radicals. Polyphenols are naturally present in the grapes, but an additional amount originates during winemaking. The aim of this work was to assess the ability of four commercial and two indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to produce bioactive compounds (tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, tryptophol, melatonin and glutathione) during alcoholic fermentation. In order to exclude the fraction of antioxidant compounds naturally occurring in grapes, the strains were inoculated in a synthetic must. At the end of fermentation the bioactive compounds were analysed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, while antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Moreover, freeze-dried samples, originating from the experimental wines, were used to perform ex-vivo assays on cultured cells (RAW 264.7 murine macrophages) with the aim to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The results indicated that the production of the considered bioactive compounds is a strain-specific property; therefore, the different yeast strains utilized during fermentation have different capabilities to modify the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the wine.

Modern technology homogenizes enological traits of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains associated with Msalais, a traditional wine in China.

In this study, we performed a pilot-scale evaluation of the enological characteristics of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains associated with Msalais, a traditional Chinese wine produced by a unique technology of boiling grape juice prior to spontaneous fermentation. Technical and sensory characteristics of top ten indigenous strains previously identified by us by screening a collection of 436 indigenous S. cerevisiae strains (Zhu et al. 2016) were assayed in a traditional craft workshop (TCW) and a modern plant (MP). The use of these strains reduced the spontaneous fermentation (Spo F) period by 6-15days, and resulted in higher sugar and lower alcohol content in TCW Msalais than in MP Msalais. Sensory scores of Msalais fermented by the ten strains were higher than those of wine produced with a commercial strain cy3079, varying in TCW fermentations and significantly different from Spo F, but homogenous for all MP fermentations. Four strains were extensively screened for use in industrial Msalais production. We conclude that modern technology homogenizes enological traits of indigenous strains while traditional craftsmanship maintains their enological diversity. Some strains domesticated in the course of both processes are suitable for industrial Msalais production.

Physiology of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from Brazilian biomes: new insights into biodiversity and industrial applications.

Fourteen indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from the barks of three tree species located in the Atlantic Rain Forest and Cerrado biomes in Brazil were genetically and physiologically compared to laboratory strains and to strains from the Brazilian fuel ethanol industry. Although no clear correlation could be found either between phenotype and isolation spot or between phenotype and genomic lineage, a set of indigenous strains with superior industrially relevant traits over commonly known industrial and laboratory strains was identified: strain UFMG-CM-Y257 has a very high specific growth rate on sucrose (0.57 ± 0.02 h-1), high ethanol yield (1.65 ± 0.02 mol ethanol mol hexose equivalent-1), high ethanol productivity (0.19 ± 0.00 mol L-1 h-1), high tolerance to acetic acid (10 g L-1) and to high temperature (40°C). Strain UFMG-CM-Y260 displayed high ethanol yield (1.67 ± 0.13 mol ethanol mol hexose equivalent-1), high tolerance to ethanol and to low pH, a trait which is important for non-aseptic industrial processes. Strain UFMG-CM-Y267 showed high tolerance to acetic acid and to high temperature (40°C), which is of particular interest to second generation industrial processes.

Selection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains Applied to the Production of Prieto Picudo Rosé Wines with a Different Aromatic Profile

The aim of this work was to select indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains based on a combination of genetic and aroma analyses to be used for inoculation in industrial fermentations and produce rose wine with a different aromatic profile. A total of 118 indigenous strains of S. cerevisiae and one hybrid strain from five wineries and three different vintages were isolated from spontaneous microfermentations and genetically characterised according to the restriction fragment length polymorphism of their mitochondrial DNA (RFLP-mtDNA). From this group, 30 strains were subjected to phenotypic/oenological characterisation and, of these, nine were chosen as starters in wine fermentations due to their ability to ferment well and their appearance in consecutive vintages or in two or more wineries. Wines produced by these nine selected strains were aromatically and chemically characterised, revealing great differences in their sensory profiles. One of these strains (C9-I) showed the most complex aroma profile in the sensory characterisation, so it was selected to produce an industrial wine. A principal component analysis showed that the industrial wine produced was aromatically very different from several commercial wines produced by different wineries. In fact, their main aromatic attributes were not found in the commercial rose wines selected for the sensory evaluation. The study shows that a combination of microbiological and chemical techniques can be an effective tool to improve the winemaking process to produce industrial wines with a distinctive organoleptic profile.

Aroma Composition and Sensory Quality of Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Fermented by Indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains in the Eastern Base of the Helan Mountain, China

In order to improve the regional flavor peculiarity of Cabernet Sauvignon wine in the eastern base of the Helan Mountain, an Appellation of Origin in China, eight indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were studied and evaluated. Compared to commercial control F15, indigenous N11424 present significant difference in the concentration of hexyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, diethyl succinate, and methyl benzoate, and the highest content of esters and least of alcohols were found in the wine made by N11424. By sensory analysis, N11424 wine was characterized with honey, pepper, as well as more fruit flavor, such as peach, cherry, clove, redcurrant, and blackcurrant. By odor activity value analysis, most of the high impact odorants were esters and the odor activity values of esters in most of indigenous strains were higher than in control F15.

Seasonal Variation of Indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains Isolated from Vineyards of the Western Cape in South Africa

There is strong support for the use of naturally-occurring Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that improve the sensory quality of wines and reflect the characteristics of a given region. Contrary to popular belief, S. cerevisiae is found at very low numbers on healthy, undamaged grapes and is rarely isolated from intact berries. The majority of studies on the population kinetics and geographic distribution of indigenous S. cerevisiae strains have not adequately focused on the variation in their numbers over a longer period of time. This paper discusses the results obtained in the first phase of a comprehensive research programme aimed at assessing how the natural population dynamics of S. cerevisiae are affected over the long term by abiotic factors. Indigenous strains of S. cerevisiae were aseptically isolated from eight sites in four areas in the coastal regions of the Western Cape, South Africa, during 1995 through 1998. Thirty colonies per site were isolated and the S. cerevisiae strains were characterised by electrophoretic karyotyping. Strain numbers per site varied over the four-year study period. Weather conditions resulting in severe fungal infestations and heavy applications of chemical sprays dramatically reduced the numbers of S. cerevisiae strains recovered during 1997. A return to normal weather patterns in 1998 resulted in a gradual recovery of the indigenous population. Indications are that some of the strains isolated are widespread in the study area and may represent yeasts typical of the area. Commercial wine yeast strains were recovered in only a few instances and the likelihood that commercial yeasts will eventually replace the natural yeast microflora in vineyards seems remote.

Geographical Distribution of Indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains Isolated from Vineyards in the Coastal Regions of the Western Cape in South Africa

Notwithstanding numerous studies on the yeast biota of grapes and grape must, the origin of the primary wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been rather controversial. One school of thought claims that the primary source of S. cerevisiae is the vineyard, whereas another believes that ecological evidence points to a strict association with artificial, man-made environments such as wineries and fermentation plants. One of the main thrusts of these kinds of investigations is to understand the succession of yeasts during fermentation of wine and to determine the actual contribution of indigenous strains of S. cerevisiae and wild yeast species to the overall sensorial quality of the end product, even in guided fermentations using selected S. cerevisiae starter cultures. There is increasing interest within the wine community in the use of indigenous strains of S. cerevisiae and mixed starter cultures, tailored to reflect the characteristics of a given region. Against this background we have launched a comprehensive and long overdue biogeographical survey systematically cataloging yeasts in different climatic zones of the 350-year-old wine-producing regions of the Western Cape. The present paper represents the first phase of this programme aimed at preserving and exploiting the hidden oenological potential of the untapped yeast biodiversity in South Africa's primary grape-growing areas. Grapes were aseptically harvested from 13 sites in five areas in the coastal regions of the Western Cape. After fermentation, 30 yeast colonies per sample were isolated and examined for the presence of S. cerevisiae. Five sampling sites yielded no S. cerevisiae. CHEF-DNA analysis revealed the presence of 46 unique karyotypes in eight of the remaining sites. No dominant strain was identified and each site had its own unique collection of strains. The number of strains per site varied from two to 15. Only in four cases did one strain appear at two sites, while only one instance of a strain occurring at three sites was recorded. All sites contained killer and sensitive strains; however, killer strains did not always dominate. Commercial strains were recovered from three sites. Although commercial yeasts dominated the microflora at two sites, it appears that fears of commercial yeasts ultimately dominating the natural microflora seem to be exaggerated.

Chromatic characteristics and anthocyanin compositions of cabernet sauvignon wines: Influence of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in Ningxia, China

Eight Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were used for preparation of Cabernet Sauvignon musts from Yuma vineyard in China, where the strains were isolated, to study the importance of yeast strain for optimization of Cabernet Sauvignon wine color and anthocyanin composition. Differences in chromatic characteristics between indigenous yeast strains and a commercial F15 control were not found. Twenty-one anthocyanins were detected and quantified using HPLC-MS. Concentrations of anthocyanins were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the yeast strain used. Use of the commercial F15 yeast resulted in the highest anthocyanin concentration. Among 9 pyranoanthocyanins detected, amounts of must were influenced by the yeast strain used. The color of wine produced using the N11424 yeast was more stable because of a higher pyranoanthocyanin concentration. Use of Principal Component Analysis indicated that indigenous yeast treatments were separated from the F15 control yeast treatment based on anthocyanin components.

Selection of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in Shanshan County (Xinjiang, China) for winemaking and their aroma-producing characteristics.

In order to select potential indigenous Saccharomyces strains, diversity of indigenous Saccharomyces strains in Shanshan County (Xinjiang, China) was preliminarily analyzed. Twenty-one genotypes were found through interdelta fingerprinting analysis. According to this result, representatives of each genotype were chosen to test the enological criteria. After tests of fermentation characteristics and growth ability, eight strains were finally selected as starters to further fermentation of Merlot must for aroma analysis and sensory evaluation at the same testing conditions, with one commercial strain F15 as control. Each strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced individual volatiles in different concentrations and combinations which significantly influenced resulting wine flavour. Except of LFP522, all indigenous isolates produced more concentration of esters than F15. Higher concentrations of linalool, β-damascenone and citral, associated with S. cerevisiae LFE1809, considerably distinguished this strain from the others. Sensory evaluation present the Merlot wine fermented by LFE1225 isolated from Merlot, had the highest sensory score.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts in grape varieties of the São Francisco Valley.

The aims of this work was to characterise indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in the naturally fermented juice of grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo used in the São Francisco River Valley, northeastern Brazil. In this study, 155 S. cerevisiae and 60 non-Saccharomyces yeasts were isolated and identified using physiological tests and sequencing of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene. Among the non-Saccharomyces species, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was the most common species, followed by Pichia kudriavzevii, Candida parapsilosis, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kloeckera apis, P. manshurica, C. orthopsilosis and C. zemplinina. The population counts of these yeasts ranged among 1.0 to 19 × 10(5) cfu/mL. A total of 155 isolates of S. cerevisiae were compared by mitochondrial DNA restriction analysis, and five molecular mitochondrial DNA restriction profiles were detected. Indigenous strains of S. cerevisiae isolated from grapes of the São Francisco Valley can be further tested as potential starters for wine production.

아황산 및 당 내성을 가진 토착형 Saccharomyces cerevisiae 효모에 의한 캠벨얼리 포도주의 발효 특성

The indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains S13 and D8 were isolated at the microbial succession stage during spontaneous fermentation of Campbell Early wine as a resistant to potassium metabisulfite and a high sugar concentration. In this study, the fermentation characteristics of Campbell Early wine were investigated and compared with those of S. cerevisiae W-3, an industrial wine yeast. Alcohol production by the two strains was delayed at the initial fermentation stage, but increased fast when the fermentation continued. After the fermentation, the S13 and D8 wines contained 12.6% and 13.2% (v/v) alcohol, respectively, which were significantly higher than the alcohol content of the W-3 wine (12%, v/v). No marked differences were observed in the residual soluble solid content and the pH. However, the S13 and D8 wines showed high levels of total acid content, including malic and lactic acids. Especially, the lactic acid content was 8.9-fold in the S13 wine and six-fold in the D8 wine, compared with that of the W-3 wine. The two strains produced a higher level of acetaldehyde and a lower amount of methanol in the wine than the W-3 strain. The iso-Butanol content was lower in the two indigenous yeast wines with similar levels of n-propanol and iso-amyl alcohol contents than that in the W-3 wine. In the sensory evaluation, the S13 and D8 wines had higher scores for their color, flavor, taste and overall preferences than the W-3 wine. Especially, the S13 and D8 wines had much higher scores than the W-3 wine for flavor and color, respectively.

Evaluation of stress tolerance and fermentative behavior of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Sixty six indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were evaluated in stressful conditions (temperature, osmolarity, sulphite and ethanol tolerance) and also ability to flocculate. Eighteen strains showed tolerant characteristics to these stressful conditions, growing at 42 °C, in 0.04% sulphite, 1 mol L−1 NaCl and 12% ethanol. No flocculent characteristics were observed. These strains were evaluated according to their fermentative performance in sugar cane juice. The conversion factors of substrates into ethanol (Yp/s), glycerol (Yg/s) and acetic acid (Yac/s), were calculated. The highest values of Yp/s in sugar cane juice fermentation were obtained by four strains, one isolated from fruit (0.46) and the others from sugar cane (0.45, 0.44 and 0.43). These values were higher than the value obtained using traditional yeast (0.38) currently employed in the Brazilian bioethanol industry. The parameters Yg/s and Yac/s were low for all strains. The UFLA FW221 presented the higher values for parameter related to bioethanol production. Thus, it was tested in co-culture with Lactobacillus fermentum. Besides this, a 20-L vessel for five consecutive batches of fermentation was performed. This strain was genetically stable and remained viable during all batches, producing high amounts of ethanol. The UFLA FW221 isolated from fruit was suitable to produce bioethanol in sugar cane juice. Therefore, the study of the biodiversity of yeasts from different environmental can reveal strains with desired characteristics to industrial applications.

Indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and their influence on the quality of Cataratto, Inzolia and Grillo white wines

The present paper deals with three new strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, isolated in old wineries of Sicily, which were microbiologically and molecularly characterized and tested for their ability to produce white wines. Examined in terms of their growth pattern, fermentation vigour, sulphite tolerance, fermentative power, spore formation, and production of acetic acid, hydrogen sulphide and phenolic off-flavours, the strains were utilized as starters in experimental fermentations of musts obtained from the cultivars Inzolia, Grillo and Catarratto. Further, the three musts were also fermented using two commercial S. cerevisiae strains. The quality of the wines produced was confirmed by their principal oenochemical parameters, by sensory analysis and qualitative and quantitative determination of the volatile aroma constituents. All the data were statistically elaborated. Interestingly, the new selected yeasts were able to increase the pear notes (Z)-ethyl-4-decenoate, (E)-ethyl-3-decenoate, and (Z)-ethyl-3-decenoate which are fundamental for the aroma of these Sicilian wines. From our results, the new yeast strains were found to produce white wines of a quality which was not inferior to those obtainable with the best commercial strains selected in other geographical areas, but also with a distinctive aromatic profile.

Selection of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to ferment red musts at low temperature

The aim of this work was to select native Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to conduct the alcoholic fermentation of red must at low temperature (15°C), thus producing volatile compounds that enhance the aromatic profile of young red wines. Native yeast strains were isolated from red musts and characterized using different oenological and technological criteria. The selection procedure included evaluating the yeasts’ characteristics in order to efficiently transform grape sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide at a controlled rate and without development of off-flavors. The selection procedure also considered another set of oenological properties, namely: SO2 resistance, killer activity, low foam production, volatile acidity, high ethanol production and tolerance, sugar exhaustion, growth at low temperature, growth at high sugar concentration, formation of H2S, β-glycosidase activity and volatile compound synthesis in synthetic media. The pre-selected native S. cerevisiae strains were evaluated in microvinifications of Malbec must at 15°C, which were then evaluated to volatile compound composition and subjected to a sensorial descriptive analysis. The complete selection procedure was carried out over 2 years. This study provides a complete description of techniques for obtaining validated scientific results that can be used by oenologists and researchers in the selection of specific yeasts.

Population Dynamics ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeduring Spontaneous Fermentation at a British Columbia Winery

Spontaneous fermentation is thought to provide conditions where diversity of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains can flourish. A broad diversity of strains may provide unique characteristics to a wine and enhance its sensorial attributes. Population dynamics of S. cerevisiae strains were followed during a spontaneous fermentation of Vitis vinifera L. var. Pinot noir grapes at a winery in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, to determine the relative contribution of commercial active dry yeast (ADY) and indigenous strains during fermentation. Grapes were harvested, processed, and fermented separately. Yeasts from grapes were isolated and plated onto culture media. Fermentation tanks were sampled at early, mid, and late stages of fermentation. Yeast strains were isolated onto culture media at each stage. DNA was extracted from yeast cultures and amplified using primers defining six different microsatellite loci. Results were compared with a database comprising DNA fingerprints from commercially produced ADY strains used previously by the winery. Strains isolated from fermentation tanks were all ADY strains closely related or identical to those in the winery database. Strain richness tended to be greater in the mid and final stages than in the early stage. Lalvin ICV D254/Fermol Premier Cru and Red Star Premier Cuvee were the dominant yeasts during the mid and final stages. The former was the only strain found in all tanks in the mid and final stages. An ADY strain, Fermol Arome-Plus, was isolated from both grapes and spontaneous fermentation. This strain could represent a resident strain, where it persists year after year and cycles annually between the winery and vineyard.

Selection of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for Nero d'Avola wine and evaluation of selected starter implantation in pilot fermentation

The present research studied Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts isolated from Nero d'Avola grapes, collected in different areas of the Sicily region. RAPD-PCR analysis with M13 primer was used for preliminary discrimination among 341 S. cerevisiae isolates. Inoculated fermentations with S. cerevisiae strains, exhibiting different RAPD-PCR fingerprinting, revealed the impact of selected strains on volatile compound concentration. Two selected strains were used in fermentation at cellar level and the restriction analysis of mtDNA on yeast colonies isolated during fermentation was used to control strain implantation. This study represents an important step to establish a collection of indigenous S. cerevisiae strains isolated from a unique environment, such as Nero d'Avola vineyards. Different starter implantation throughout inoculated fermentation represents an additional character, which might be considered during the selection program for wine starter cultures.

Effect of refermentation conditions and micro-oxygenation on the reduction of volatile acidity by commercial S. cerevisiae strains and their impact on the aromatic profile of wines

Herein, we evaluate the applicability of previously characterized commercial and indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and non- S. cerevisiae species for the deacidification of white and red wines at a pilot scale. The effect of the refermentation process (mixture of acidic wine with musts from freshly crushed grapes or with residual marc) as well as micro-oxygenation (MO) on acetic acid removal efficiency and wine aromatic composition was also assessed in a red wine. The commercial strains S26 and S29 efficiently reduced both acetic acid (43 and 47%, respectively) and sugar (100%) after 264 h of refermentation of an acidic white wine that was supplemented with grape must. Similar results (60–66% of acetic acid removal) were observed for red wine deacidification using grape must, independently of MO. When residual marc was used for deacidification, strain S26 removed 40% of acetic acid, whereas strain S29 did not initiate refermentation with or without MO. Wines obtained by refermentation with the must had significantly lower acetic acid and a higher total SO 2 concentration in comparison to the wines deacidified by the grape marcs. The volatile aroma compound's composition of deacidified red wines was dependent on the refermentation process used, rather than on MO. The marc-deacidified wine obtained by the use of strain S26 and without MO achieved the best sensory classification. When data from all analytical and sensory evaluation were combined, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) separated the wines into three distinct groups according to the strain and the refermentation process independently of MO. We successfully established an efficient and cheap enological solution for the rectification of volatile acidity of wines.

Use of selected indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for the production of the traditional cachaça in Brazil

To test indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae as starters to produce cachaça in large-scale in a traditional distillery, establishing the period in which, each strain predominates in the vats, chemical composition and sensory attributes of the beverage, and to compare these data with vats prepared by spontaneous fermentation. Strains were evaluated for kinetic fermentation parameters, permanence in vats, volatile compound production, and sensory attributes for the cachaças produced. In general the vats in which starter strains were used, no difference in restriction mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiles of isolates was observed. In the vats in which spontaneous fermentation occurred, different mtDNA restriction profiles were observed. Most of the non-Saccharomyces species isolated could be regarded as contaminants of fermentation. All cachaças produced, despite being recently distilled and with differences in their chemical composition, were well accepted by the judges. It was possible to detect the differences in the fermentation capacities of S. cerevisiae strains, in their relative abundances at different time periods, and in the chemical compositions and sensory attributes of the resulting beverages. The indigenous strains utilized to prepare cachaça have shown potential to be used as starters of this traditional fermentation process.

Selection of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains according to their oenological characteristics and vinification results

Xynomavro and Muscat Hamburg grapes were fermented spontaneously, producing red and white wine, respectively. The indigenous yeast flora, isolated at three phases of these fermentations, was studied. One hundred and ten strains were isolated, eighty-four of which were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Six of these strains were selected for their satisfactory oenological properties to be tested as starters in wine fermentations. The quality of the produced wines was evaluated after determination of their aromatic compounds and sensory analysis. S. cerevisiae strain BT4, as well as the AM4+BM3 combination, were considered the best as they produced wines characterized by fruity aromas and were highly accepted among panelists.

Characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from must of grape grown in experimental vineyard

Isolation and characterization of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains from 12 grape varieties grown in an experimental vineyard of Apulia. Thirty to 40 colonies from each of the 12 fermentations were obtained at the end stage of spontaneous fermentation. By using morphological and physiological methods and by the PCR analysis of internal transcribed ITS1-5,8S-ITS2, the isolates belonging to Saccharomyces genus were identified. These isolates were further characterized by amplification with S. cerevisiae species- and delta element-specific primers, thus allowing the identification of S. cerevisiae strains selected from each of the 12 fermentations. By means of RFLP analysis of mtDNA, each S. cerevisiae population isolated from a single fermentation appeared to constitute a genetically homogenous group. The comparison of the 12 cultivar-specific mtDNA RFLP patterns, allowed classifying the 12 S. cerevisiae populations into three genetically homogenous groups. The isolated strains fermented vigorously in synthetic and grape juice medium and showed high alcohol and sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) resistance and low hydrogen sulphite (H(2)S) production. The molecular analysis, in conjunction with the traditional morphological and physiological methods, was useful in discriminating at strain level the indigenous population of S. cerevisiae present in a vineyard of Apulia. The dominant S. cerevisiae strains identified in the 12 fermented musts showed potentially important oenological characteristics. The characterization of natural S. cerevisiae strains from several typical Italian grapes grown in a restricted experimental vineyard is an important step towards the preservation and exploitation of yeast biodiversity of Apulia, a relevant wine-producing region. The close relationship between the S. cerevisiae strains from different grapes grown in the same vineyard indicated that the occurrence of native strains is representative of the area rather than of the variety of grapes.