Pinotage Wines Research Articles

Co-pigmentation of Pinotage anthocyanins with Cyclopia (honeybush) polyphenols in model wine solutions

Co-pigmentation of an anthocyanin-enriched fraction (AEF) of Pinotage wine with honeybush polyphenols (Cyclopia subternata extract and fractions enriched in specific polyphenols) was studied in model wine solutions. The hyperchromic effects and bathochromic shifts depended on the co-pigment sources and co-pigment/anthocyanin ratio. Fraction 2 (F2), enriched in xanthones (mangiferin and isomangiferin), produced the most pronounced co-pigmentation effect at a co-pigment/anthocyanin ratio of 15:1. Greater co-pigmentation effects were observed in model solutions at pH 3.0 (pH 3–4 evaluated) and in the absence of EtOH (0–16 % EtOH evaluated). During storage of solutions (AEF and/or F2) at 15 °C and 25 °C for 12 weeks, myrtillin, petunin, 3′,5′-di-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3-hydroxyphloretin and mangiferin concentrations decreased following first-order kinetics, while peonin and oenin degradation followed fractional-conversion kinetics. Polymeric anthocyanin formation followed zero-order kinetics. Reaction rates increased with an increase in storage temperature. The addition of F2 to the AEF solution produced a darker, more vivid colour and improved the colour stability, however, the yellow-orange colour of F2 and intensification of its colour during storage contributed to increasing red-orange hues. Further research is necessary to elucidate the effect of honeybush polyphenols on the colour and composition of a complete wine as it is more complex than model solutions.

Is There a Link Between Coffee Aroma and the Level of Furanmethanethiol (FMT) in Pinotage Wines

Over the years, Pinotage has found its way into the South African and international market. Producers have used the flavour potential of this “original” South African grape to produce different wine styles, one of them being the so-called “coffee-style Pinotage”. The current study aims to explain the impact of furanmethanethiol (FMT) on the characteristic coffee aroma of these coffee-style wines. Chemical and sensory evaluation, as well as data mining of the technical information available, was performed. Not all wines marketed as “coffee Pinotage” showed a high “coffee” rating. However, the results showed a good correlation between the aroma perception and FMT concentrations (R2 = 0.81). However, RV coefficients were low when comparing the coffee rating with the information provided on both the front and the back label, which shows that, in some cases, the use of the “coffee Pinotage” term was rather part of the marketing strategy.

Wine Quality Drivers: A Case Study on South African Chenin Blanc and Pinotage Wines.

The aim of the study was to propose a methodology for the elucidation of sensory and chemical wine quality drivers. The winners of the 2018 Top 10 Chenin Blanc and Top 10 Pinotage challenges and additional lower scoring wines for each cultivar were evaluated. The two sets underwent sensory profiling by Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) and a 20-point quality rating by industry experts in non-competition conditions and chemical fingerprinting by Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Data were submitted to Correspondence Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for sensory and chemistry, respectively, from which the standardised deviates were correlated to quality scores to identify the quality drivers. The results illustrated the possibility to determine positive and negative sensory quality drivers (attributes), while the identification of drivers for chemistry (ions) was challenging due to the number of signals generated by the fingerprinting technique. The configurations of the sensory and chemical spaces were compared, but the similarities were relatively low as measured by Regression Vector (RV) coefficients, 0.437 and 0.505 for Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, respectively. The proposed methodology can also be used to explore the sensory space of wine sample sets with the added dimension of the quality drivers which, in turn, highlight the experts’ opinions on what makes a winning wine.

Marketing Pinotage to South African student millennials

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relevance of expert opinions as a marketing tool for Pinotage amongst young South African student millennials by means of sensory hedonic testing.Design/methodology/approachSensory hedonic testing was used because it is necessary to examine the extent to which extrinsic cues influence a wine’s intrinsic merit, as this can influence future purchase decisions. Thus, it combines marketing factors and sensory science and explores the sensory liking of food products by consumers. A total of 126 South African student millennial consumers were analysed.FindingsThe results confirm that expert opinions are an effective marketing tool. While positive expert opinions did not reinforce perceived quality for already generally liked wines, they increased perceived quality for wines that were not liked. Female student millennials specifically seem to be influenced by expert opinions and packaging, even though they show a relative dislike for Pinotage under blind tasting. These results are useful in the design of marketing strategies.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, it may be difficult to generalize the research results. However, future research could apply this methodology to investigate the perceived quality of wine and other food products in different countries. Furthermore, replicating this study could provide interesting comparative results.Originality/valueLittle is known about the liking for Pinotage wines by young South African consumers or about the cues that make them respond positively to marketing.

Interactions between Grape Maturity Indices and Quality for Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon Wines from Four Localities

Three grape maturity indices viz. degrees Balling (OB), OB total titratable acid (TT A) ratio and the OB.pH product of musts were compared regarding their ability to predict optimum quality for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage wines. Comprehensive analytical data from 128 musts and corresponding wines for the 1979 and 1980 vintages from the Stellenbosch, Durbanville, Lutzville and Robertson areas were subjected to principal component analysis using variables and variable ratios selected by correlation to quality weighting. The results indicated that 0B alone could not perform the function of a grape maturity index for predicting optimum quality. In the case of the OB/TT A index, the range wherein maximum wine quality occurred was too wide to be of practical value in this instance. The 0B.pH index gave a narrower optimum range, and in contrast to the two other indices gave similar results for both cultivars.

Differentiation between Wines Originating from Different Red Wine Cultivars and Wine Regions by the Application of Stepwise Discriminant Analysis to Gas Chromatographic Data

Stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) was applied to gas chromatographic data of some volatile compounds extracted with freon from red wines. By means of this statistical method, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon wines (1978 vintage) could be classified into separate groups, the most effective variables being hexanol and i-amyl acetate. Pinotage wines from three, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from two localities (1979 vintage) were subjected to classification according to origin. Successful classifications were obtained using the variables ethyl acetate, ethyl caprate, i-amyl acetate as well as a compound tentatively identified as i-valeric acid.

Evaluating the value of replicate tastings of a given wine: bio-statistical considerations

ABSTRACTWine judges were randomly selected from the membership of the American Association of Wine Economists (AAWE) to participate in a blind triplicate tasting of two South African varietals: one Sauvignon Blanc and one Pinotage; as well as a blind tasting of a single pouring of five additional Sauvignon Blanc wines and five additional Pinotage wines. It was hypothesized that those wine Tasters who scored the triplicate wines reliably would also score the single poured wines reliably; and, conversely, those who were unreliable on the triplicate wines would also be unreliable on the additional five wines. The results were substantially confirmative for the Sauvignon varietals, but only minimally confirmative for the Pinotage varietals. Two possible reasons are, first, the simpler structure of Sauvignon Blanc (a white wine) and possible palate fatigue for the more complex Pinotage (a red wine).

Climatic Region and Vine Structure: Effect on Pinotage Wine Phenolic Composition, Total Antioxidant Capacity and Colour

The phenolic composition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and colour of Pinotage wines of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 vintages were investigated, using spectrophotometric, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), free radical scavenging and objective colour analyses. Grapes were harvested from grapevines in three climatic regions ranging from cool to warm, with bush (20- and 30-cm trunk height) and trellised (30- and 60-cm trunk heights) vine treatments, on several vineyard sites in each climatic area. Climatic region had a significant effect on the content of several phenolic compounds; the concentration of anthocyanin monoglucosides, flavonols, flavan-3-ols and tartaric acid esters of hydroxycinnamic acids generally increased as the climatic region becomes cooler, while concentrations of acylated derivatives and free hydroxycinnamic acids decreased. Wines made from bush vines contained higher concentrations of flavonols, gallic acid and flavan-3-ols than those from trellised vines, but lower concentrations of some anthocyanin monoglucosides and acylated derivatives, as well as non-coloured polymers. These trends resulted in differences in TAC and objective colour parameters, although the different vintages did not show the same trends in all cases. More vintages should therefore be investigated to clarify these effects. Wines from the cool climatic regions and from bush vines were generally darker coloured, with higher TAC than those from the warm climatic regions and bush vines, respectively. High TAC, therefore, coincided with higher colour quality. Variations in TAC were partly explained by trends for individual phenolic compounds, although unknown compounds played a major role.

Maceration Before and During Fermentation: Effect on Pinotage Wine Phenolic Composition, Total Antioxidant Capacity and Objective Colour Parameters

Low-temperature maceration treatments (1, 2 and 4 days at 10 and 15°C) before fermentation and juice/skin mixing treatments (punching-down, pumping-over and rotor action every hour and every 3 hours) during fermentation were investigated in terms of their effects on Pinotage wine phenolic composition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and colour over three vintages (2000 to 2002). Results for pre-fermentation maceration were not consistent between vintages. Very few significant differences in the phenolic content, TAC and objective colour parameters were observed between the control wines and wines subjected to different pre-fermentation maceration treatments. Pre-fermentation maceration, especially at 15°C, resulted in wines with increased vitisin A content. Improvement of wine quality when using pre-fermentation maceration treatments at 10°C was noted previously, while no detrimental effect on the wine TAC was observed. The pumping-over treatment yielded wines with lower TAC and phenol content, as well as less favourable objective colour values, indicating that the punching-down or rotor treatment would be preferred. Although mixing at hourly intervals yielded a higher content of some phenolic compounds compared to the 3-hour interval mixing, mixing frequency did not affect the TAC of the wine. The objective colour parameters, h* and b*, were slightly lower at the higher mixing frequency in 2002 indicating a shift in the direction of a magenta hue.

Selection and Characterisation of Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum South African Wine Isolates for Use as Malolactic Fermentation Starter Cultures

This study focused on characterising 23 Oenococcus oeni and 19 Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from the South African wine environment for the development of potential commercial malolactic fermentation (MLF) starter cultures. These strains were characterised with regards to oenological important characteristics, including the genetic screening for enzyme-encoding genes (enzymes that are involved/implicated in wine aroma modification, as well as enzymes pertaining to the wholesomeness of the final wine product), their fermentation capabilities, the ability to maintain viability during MLF, as well as the volatile acidity production. A total of three O. oeni and three L. plantarum strains were selected at the completion of this study. These six strains showed the most potential during the characterisation stages of the study and were able to successfully complete MLF in Pinotage wine. It was also found that L. plantarum strains displayed a more diverse enzyme profile than O. oeni strains, particularly with regards to the presence of the aroma-modifying enzymes β-glucosidase and phenolic acid decarboxylase (PAD), which implies the future use of this species in the modification of the wine aroma profile and use as commercial starter culture.

Characterisation of Pinotage Wine During Maturation on Different Oak Products

The effect of oak contact on the phenolic composition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and colour of Pinotage wines was investigated during maturation. Oak maturation included traditional treatments, such as new, second-fill and third-fill barrels, as well as alternative treatments (oak chips, staves, extract and dust) applied in old barrels over a period of 28 weeks. Oak maturation using traditional and alternative treatments improved the objective colour of Pinotage wine by decreasing the L* value. Losses in TAC caused by decreased concentrations of monomeric phenolic compounds (most anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids) during oak maturation were negated by increased concentrations of gallic acid and the formation of new oligomeric and polymeric pigments. Wine maturation in stainless steel containers also resulted in a decrease in anthocyanin content. The decrease in phenolic acid content for wines matured in stainless steel was less pronounced, while their flavan-3-ol content remained stable. The new-barrel treatment had the most pronounced effect on all parameters. Oak maturation can be used for the production of Pinotage wine when the retention of TAC is a high priority.

Monitoring the Effect of Micro-oxygenation before Malolactic Fermentation on South African Pinotage Red Wine with Different Colour and Phenolic Analyses

The use of micro-oxygenation and its effect on the quality of the red wine varietal, Pinotage, is largely unknown. The influence of adding different oxygen dosages before malolactic fermentation on the phenolic composition and colour stabilisation of wine made from Pinotage was studied, and the suitability of certain spectrophotometric and RP-HPLC analyses to determine these changes were assessed in tanks of commercial lengths. Total oxygen dosages of 0 mg/L, 16 mg/L and 32 mg/L were applied, after which the wines underwent malolactic fermentation and maturation in the same tanks for two additional months. Decreases in anthocyanin concentration showed a strong inversely proportional correlation with increasing polymeric pigment concentration. This suggests that the addition of oxygen contributed to the early stabilisation of wine colour in Pinotage red wine. Overall, tannin concentrations were not significantly influenced by the oxygen treatments, although lower levels were observed in wines treated with oxygen. An important finding of the study was that there appeared to be little difference in the colour and phenolic composition of the wines between the 16 mg/L and 32 mg/L oxygen treatments. Good correlations were found between certain spectrophotometric techniques and the RP-HPLC analysis used to study changes induced by micro-oxygenation (total anthocyanins, total phenols). The colour and phenolic composition of Pinotage wine can be influenced before malolactic fermentation by micro-oxygenation. Some spectrophotometric phenolic analyses showed the same tendencies as observed with RP-HPLC (anthocyanins, monomeric flavan-3-ols, tannins), indicating their suitability to follow phenolic and colour changes induced by micro-oxygenation in Pinotage red wine.

Effect of Torulaspora delbrueckii Yeast on the Anthocyanin and Flavanol Concentrations of Cabernet franc and Pinotage Wines

Pinotage and Cabernet franc grape must were inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Torulaspora delbrueckii yeasts. Differences in colour were observed between Pinotage (S. cerevisiae) and Pinotage (T. delbrueckii) wines, whereas differences in berry and herbaceous character were observed between Cabernet franc (S. cerevisiae) and Cabernet franc (T. delbrueckii) wines. Mouthfeel properties between treatments for both wines were not significantly different. Overall quality was slightly higher in wines inoculated with T. delbrueckii compared to wines inoculated with S. cerevisiae. Anthocyanins and flavanols measured in Pinotage wines made with T. delbrueckii were higher compared to Pinotage must inoculated with S. cerevisiae. Cabernet franc wines made with S. cerevisiae were higher in anthocyanin glycoside and flavanol concentrations compared to Cabernet franc wines made with T. delbrueckii. Insignificant differences in acetylated and coumarylated anthocyanins were evident between Cabernet franc (S. cerevisiae) and Cabernet franc (T. delbrueckii) wines. Principal component analysis showed that epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, procyanidin B2, peonidin 3-O-glucoside, delphinidin 3-(6-acetyl) glucoside, petunidin 3-(6-acetyl) glucoside, malvidin 3-(6-acetyl) glucoside and malvidin 3-O-glucoside concentrations were highest in Pinotage wines inoculated with T. delbrueckii. Cabernet franc wines inoculated with S. cerevisiae yeasts were highest in malvidin 3-(6-p-coumaroyl) glucoside, petunidin 3-(6-p-coumaroyl) glucoside, petunidin 3-O-glucoside, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate concentrations. Total anthocyanins were highest in Pinotage (S. cerevisiae) wines and Cabernet franc (T. delbrueckii) wines. Flavanols were highest in Pinotage (T. delbrueckii) and Cabernet franc (S. cerevisiae) wines. It is evident from the results that yeast species has an impact on the flavonoid concentrations within a grape variety.

Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography (HILIC) × Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography Coupled to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (RP-LC-UV-MS) Analysis of Anthocyanins and Derived Pigments in Red Wine.

Changes in anthocyanin chemistry represent some of the most important transformations involved in red wine aging. However, accurate analysis of the derived pigments, as required to study the evolution of anthocyanins and tannins during aging, is hampered by their extreme structural diversity, low levels, and the fact that many of these compounds have identical mass spectral characteristics. In this context, chromatographic separation is critical. In this contribution, the application of online hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) × reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) separation coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) is described for the detailed characterization of anthocyanins and their derived pigments in aged red wine. A systematic approach was followed for the optimization of HILIC × RP-LC separation parameters using a capillary liquid chromatography (LC) system in the first dimension and an ultrahigh-pressure LC system in the second dimension to ensure maximum sensitivity and performance. Ninety four (94) anthocyanin-derived pigments were tentatively identified in one- and six-year-old Pinotage wines using accurate mass and fragmentation information obtained using quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS). Online HILIC × RP-LC-MS was found to offer high-resolution separation, because of the combination of two different separation modes, while the structured elution order observed improved the certainty in compound identification. Therefore, this approach shows promise for the detailed elucidation of the chemical alteration of anthocyanins during wine aging.

The relationships between consumer liking, sensory and chemical attributes of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinotage wines elaborated with different Oenococcus oeni starter cultures

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) mediated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been shown to modulate chemical and sensory attributes of wine. This study investigated the relation between consumer liking, chemical and sensory attributes of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinotage wines that were made over two vintages by four different lactic acid Oenococcus oeni starter cultures as well as a control treatment where MLF was prevented. Descriptive analysis showed that the sensory attributes buttery, caramel, vegetative flavour, fruity and nutty aroma differed significantly between the wines. These effects on the wines were not the same for the two vintages tested. Preference mapping results showed that the sensory attributes influenced the average consumer liking. The main chemical and sensory correlations found for MLF-treated wines were related to 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl) with the buttery character and various esters with fruity aromas. Although the direct effect of the bacterial starter cultures on wine sensory attributes is difficult to establish, and subject to variation over vintage, the present work suggests that the contribution of LAB starter cultures to wine sensory attributes can influence consumer liking. Selection of an MLF starter culture can thus potentially be used to develop specific wine styles.

Investigating the coffee flavour in South African Pinotage wine using novel offline olfactometry and comprehensive gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry

Pinotage wine from several South African wine cellars has been produced with a novel coffee flavour. We have investigated this innovative coffee effect using in house developed solventless sampling and fractionating olfactometric techniques, which are unique in their ability to study synergistic aroma effects as opposed to traditional gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O) which is designed to, ideally, evaluate single eluting compounds in a chromatographic sequence. Sections of the chromatogram, multiple or single peaks, were recaptured on multichannel open tubular silicone rubber (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) traps at the end of a GC column. The recaptured fractions were released in a controlled manner for offline olfactory evaluation, and for qualitative analysis using comprehensive gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOFMS) for compound separation and identification, thus permitting correlation of odour with specific compounds. A combination of furfural and 2-furanmethanol was responsible for a roast coffee bean-like odour in coffee style Pinotage wines. This coffee perception is the result of a synergistic effect in which no individual compound was responsible for the characteristic aroma.

Investigation of the effect of gelatine, egg albumin and cross-flow microfiltration on the phenolic composition of Pinotage wine

The effect of fining and cross-flow microfiltration on the phenolic composition of red wine was investigated. Both gelatine (G) and egg albumin (EA) fining decreased the mean degree of polymerisation (mDP) of tannin significantly by 26.4% and 25.2%, respectively, compared to the control (C). Cross-flow microfiltration (CF) also decreased the mDP significantly by 25%. Thus, the fining agents and cross-flow microfiltration selectively removed the highly polymerised phenols. After 3.5months of bottle ageing, differences between the different treatments and the control decreased. CF had the most significant effect on the flavan-3-ol and polymeric phenol (tannin) content of the wines compared to the control followed by G fining. CF and EA treatments significantly decreased the total pigment content compared to C. CF was also the only treatment that could be distinguished from the other treatments by sensory analysis. All treatments improved clarity of the wines with cross-flow microfiltration having the largest effect.

Investigation of the Volatile Composition of Pinotage Wines Fermented with Different Malolactic Starter Cultures Using Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Coupled to Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF-MS)

Headspace solid phase microextraction in combination with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC × GC-TOF-MS) was used for the detailed investigation of the impact of malolactic fermentation (MLF) using three commercial Oenococcus oeni strains on the volatile composition of Vitis vinifera cv. Pinotage wines. GC × GC allowed the identification of 115 volatile compounds, including both major constituents and trace-level compounds, in a single analysis. A number of compounds differing in mean concentration levels between the control wines and those fermented with different starter cultures were shown for the first time to be influenced by MLF and/or the bacterial strain. Principal component analysis (PCA) provided excellent separation between the wines fermented with different MLF starter cultures and the control wine. Significantly different levels for some volatile compounds in wines fermented with one of the LAB starter cultures could be indicative of metabolic differences of this strain.

Solid phase extraction in combination with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the detailed investigation of volatiles in South African red wines

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography in combination with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOFMS) has been applied for the analysis of volatile compounds in three young South African red wines. In spite of the significant benefits offered by GC × GC–TOFMS for the separation and identification of volatiles in such a complex matrix, previous results utilizing headspace solid phase micro extraction (HS-SPME) demonstrated certain limitations. These were primarily associated with the choice of sample preparation technique, which failed to extract some influential semi-volatile wine constituents. Therefore, in the current report, we utilized solid phase extraction (SPE) in combination with GC × GC–TOFMS for the detailed investigation of particularly low-level semi-volatiles in South African wine. 214 compounds previously reported in grapes and related beverages were tentatively identified based on mass spectral data and retention indices, while 62 additional compounds were positively identified using authentic standards. The method proved particularly beneficial for the analysis of terpenes, lactones and volatile phenols, and allowed us to report the presence of numerous volatile compounds for the first time in Pinotage wines.

Characterisation of volatile components of Pinotage wines using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOFMS)

As part of the ongoing research into the chemical composition of the uniquely South African wine cultivar Pinotage, the volatile composition of nine young wines of this cultivar was investigated using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) in combination with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). Headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) using a carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS) fibre was used to extract the volatile compounds from the wine matrix. Extracts were analysed using an in-house developed GC × GC system equipped with a single jet, liquid nitrogen-based cryogenic modulator. In the current study, 206 compounds previously reported in wine and related matrices have been detected in nine Pinotage wines. Positive identification for 48 compounds was performed using authentic standards, while tentative identification of 158 compounds was based on deconvoluted mass spectra and comparison of linear retention indices (LRI) with literature values. Identified compounds included esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, acetals, furans and lactones, sulphur compounds, nitrogen compounds, terpenes, hydrocarbons, volatile phenols and pyrans. Volatile compounds potentially capable of influencing wine aroma are highlighted. Many of the compounds were common to all 9 wines, although volatile components unique to specific samples were also observed. The results represent the most detailed characterisation of volatile constituents of this cultivar reported to date.