Sensory descriptive and comprehensive GC–MS as suitable tools to characterize the effects of alternative winemaking procedures on wine aroma. Part I: BRS Carmem and BRS Violeta

Wine metabolome and sensory analyses demonstrate the oenological potential of novel grapevine genotypes for sustainable viticulture in warm climates

BACKGROUND

Genetic breeding is essential to develop grapevine genotypes adapted to warm climates and resistant to pathogens. Traditionally cultivated Vitis vinifera is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Winemakers and consumers, however, perceive wines from non-vinifera or hybrid cultivars as inferior. In this study, sensory analyses and comprehensive metabolite profiling by targeted and untargeted approaches were used to investigate the oenological potential of wines from grapes of genotypes developed throughout four breeding cycles to improve climate adaptation, sugar contents and berry color.

RESULTS

Novel genotypes had higher yields and the wines exhibited increased contents of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. Volatile monoterpenes in the wines decreased throughout breeding cycles in the absence of selective pressure. Polyphenol contents were higher in intermediate wines, with hydroxytyrosol contents reaching up to three times reported values. Mouthfeel attributes astringency, leafy taste, flavor and body, and persistency showed significant correlation with untargeted features. Supervised model-based analyses of the metabolome effectively discriminate wines from distinct genetic origins.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of novel grapevine genotypes to a more sustainable viticulture and quality wine production in warm climates. Comprehensive metabolite profiling of the wines reveals that genotype clustering is dependent on the chemical class and that traits not submitted to selective pressure are also altered by breeding. Supervised multivariate models were effective to predict the genetic origin of the wines based on the metabolic profile, indicating the potential of the technique to identify biomarkers for wines from sustainable genotypes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evolution of Aroma Profiles in Vitis vinifera L. Marselan and Merlot from Grapes to Wines and Difference between Varieties

The fermentation process has a significant impact on the aromatic profile of wines, particularly in relation to the difference in fermentation matrix caused by grape varieties. This study investigates the leaching and evolution patterns of aroma compounds in Vitis vinifera L. Marselan and Merlot during an industrial-scale vinification process, including the stages of cold soak, alcohol fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and one-year bottle storage. The emphasis is on the differences between the two varieties. The results indicated that most alcohols were rapidly leached during the cold soak stage. Certain C6 alcohols, terpenes, and norisoprenoids showed faster leaching rates in 'Marselan', compared to 'Merlot'. Some branched chain fatty-acid esters, such as ethyl 3-methylbutyrate, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, and ethyl lactate, consistently increased during the fermentation and bottling stages, with faster accumulation observed in 'Marselan'. The study combines the Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) model based on odor activity values to elucidate the accumulation of these ethyl esters during bottle storage, compensating for the reduction in fruity aroma resulting from decreased levels of (E)-β-damascenone. The 'Marselan' wine exhibited a more pronounced floral aroma due to its higher level of linalool, compared to the 'Merlot' wine. The study unveils the distinctive variation patterns of aroma compounds from grapes to wine across grape varieties. This provides a theoretical framework for the precise regulation of wine aroma and flavor, and holds significant production value.

Metabolite profiling reveals the influence of grapevine genetic distance on the chemical signature of juices

BACKGROUND

Yield, disease tolerance, and climate adaptation are important traits in grapevine genetic breeding programs. Selection for these characteristics causes unpredictable changes in primary and specialized metabolism, affecting the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of the berries and their processed products, juice, and wine. In this study, we investigated the influence of the genetic distance between grapevine genotypes on the chemical signatures of the juices, by integrating comprehensive metabolic profiling to genetic analyses.

RESULTS

The studied grapevine cultivars exhibited low genetic diversity. Breeding for agronomic traits promoted higher contents of soluble sugars, total phenolics, and anthocyanins in the juices. Untargeted juice metabolomics identified a total of 147 metabolites, consisting of 30 volatiles, 21 phenolics, and 96 ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) features. Juices from grapes of the most recent cultivars exhibited increased levels of trans-resveratrol, catechin, and luteolin. The blend of volatiles from juices of later cultivars was also more complex, consisting of 29 distinct metabolites in 'BRS Magna'. Grapes from 'BRS Carmem', an intermediate cultivar, gave the most divergent UHPLC-MS juice profile.

CONCLUSION

Contents of soluble solids, total phenolics, and anthocyanins in grape juices were increased by controlled crosses and hybrid selection. Integrative analyses demonstrated that the juices' metabolic profiles accurately represent the cultivars' genetic distances. Juices from 'BRS Violeta' and 'BRS Magna' show relevant positive association with health-related phenolics and a distinct set of odor volatiles, although these characteristics were specifically sought by breeding. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Application of near-infrared spectroscopy for the estimation of volatile compounds in Tempranillo Blanco grape berries during ripening

BACKGROUND

The knowledge of volatile compounds concentration in grape berries is very valuable information for the winemaker, since these compounds are strongly involved in the final wine quality, and in consumer acceptance. In addition, it would allow to set the harvest date according to aromatic maturity, to classify grape berries according to their quality and to make wines with different characteristics, among other implications. However, so far, there are no tools that allow the volatile composition to be measured directly on intact berries, either in the vineyard or in the winery.

RESULTS

In this work, the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to estimate the aromatic composition and total soluble solids (TSS) of Tempranillo Blanco grape berries during ripening was evaluated. For this purpose, the spectra in the NIR range (1100-2100 nm) of 240 intact berry samples were acquired in the laboratory. From these same samples, the concentration of volatile compounds was analyzed by thin film-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TF-SPME-GC-MS), and the TSS were quantified by refractometry. These two methods were used as reference methods for model building. Calibration, cross-validation and prediction models were built from spectral data using partial least squares (PLS). Determination coefficients of cross-validation (R2 CV ) above 0.5 were obtained for all volatile compounds, their families, and TSS.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support that NIR spectroscopy can be successfully use to estimate the aromatic composition as well as the TSS of intact Tempranillo Blanco berries in a non-destructive, fast, and contactless form, allowing simultaneous determination of technological and aromatic maturities. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Monitorization of Varietal Aroma Composition Dynamics during Ripening in Intact Vitis vinifera L. Tempranillo Blanco Berries by Hyperspectral Imaging

The measurement of aromatic maturity during grape ripening provides very important information for determining the harvest date, particularly in white cultivars. However, there are currently no tools that allow this measurement to be carried out in a noninvasive and rapid way. For this reason, in the present work, we have studied the use of hyperspectral imaging (HSI)) to estimate the aromatic composition of Vitis vinifera L. Tempranillo Blanco berries during ripening. A total of 236 spectra in the VIS+short wave near-infrared (VIS+SW-NIR) range (400-1000 nm) of intact berries were acquired contactless under laboratory conditions. As gold standard values, a total of 20 volatile compounds were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the concentration of total soluble solids (TSS) was measured by refractometry. Calibration, cross-validation, and prediction models were built using partial least squares (PLS). Values of R_CV² ≥ 0.70 were obtained for α-terpineol, p-cymene, β-damascenone, β-ionone, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, hexanal, citral, linalool, 2-phenylethanol, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, 2-hexenal, 2-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, total C₁₃ norisoprenoids, total C6 compounds, total positive compounds (i.e., the sum of all families except C6 compounds), total benzenoids, and total soluble solids (TSS). Therefore, it can be affirmed that HSI in the VIS + SW-NIR range could be a good tool to estimate the aromatic composition of Tempranillo Blanco grape berries in a contactless, fast, and nondestructive way.

Effect of light-selective sunshade net on the quality and aromatic characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and wine: Exploratory experiment on strong solar irradiance in northwestern China

The greenhouse effect is a global problem. In view of the intense sunlight radiation in Ningxia (an ideal wine-producing region in northwestern China), the effect of light-selective sunshade nets of different colors (black, red and white) on the quality and aromatic characteristics of grapes and wine was studied. With the treatments of different nets, the solar radiation intensity was significantly decreased. The sugar contents in both grapes and wines decreased, while the acid contents increased. The contents of total phenols, tannins and flavanols in grapes were increased, while the total flavonoids and anthocyanins were decreased. The contents of most phenolics in wine were increased. The contents of most aromas in grapes and wines under nets were higher than those in the control group. The black group usually possessed the highest variety and content. Red and black nets improved the fruity, floral and sweet aromas of grapes. The white net decreased the green and citrusy aromas.

Investigating the effect of three phenolic fractions on the volatility of floral, fruity, and aged aromas by HS-SPME-GC-MS and NMR in model wine

In this study, the volatility of three typical wine aromas in model wine was investigated by HS-SPME-GC-MS, NMR, and sensory evaluation as influenced by different concentrations and structural properties of phenolics. Results showed that three phenolic fractions (phenolic acids, monomeric/oligomeric and polymeric procyanidins) exhibited different matrix effects on floral, fruity, and aged aromas perception. Physico-chemical and sensory analyses together indicated that all fractions reduced the perceived intensity of fruity and aged aroma attributes, and displayed stronger retention effects on fruity aromas at higher mDP and concentrations. Monomeric/oligomeric and polymeric procyanidins promoted highly hydrophobic floral aromas release, whereas inhibiting the volatility of low hydrophobic fruity aromas. NMR confirmed that the reduction in the volatility of rose oxide, ethyl butanoate and whiskey lactone was attributed to interactions with epicatechin. This study aims to provide new thoughts and theoretical support for wine aroma regulation during winemaking by reconstructing the phenolic composition in wine.

Volatile Chemical Profile of Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizer marketed in Brazil by HS-SPME/GC-MS

Aim:

This study aims to determine the volatile chemical profile of ethanol-based hand sanitizer marketed in Brazil by HS-SPME/GC-MS.

Background:

Ethanol-based hand sanitizer has been used to protect against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In general, these formulations are prepared using a carbomer. In 2020 and 2021, the production of hand sanitizer has increased due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, it is important to know the composition of this formulation because certain molecules present in some alcoholic mixtures can cause health problems

Method:

Ethanol-based hand sanitizer, AL1, AL2, BL1, CL1, DL1, EL1, FL1, and GL1 (ethanol derivative of fuel station), was purchased from manufacturers commercialized in Araguaína-TO and analyzed by HS-SPME/GC-MS for determining volatile chemical profile.

Results:

The analyses showed different compositions for the ethanol-based hand sanitizers. Samples AL1 and AL2 contained isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, benzene, ethane-1,1-diethoxy, limonene, and other compounds. Linear alkanes were also detected. Only ethyl acetate and ethane-1,1-diethoxy were detected in CL1, in addition to ethanol. Thus, it is the most suitable sample among those analyzed. The presence of benzene, alkanes, and other hydrocarbons may be associated with the use of fuel ethanol to prepare these sanitizers, as shown in the sample GL1. Benzene, xylene, and toluene were found in FL1. This sample is the most contaminated among those analyzed.

Conclusion:

The chemical profile of commercial ethanol-based hand sanitizer from eight different samples sold in Araguaína-Brazil was established by GC-MS. Compounds like benzene and other alkanes were found in some samples. These results suggested possible contamination by alcohols unqualified in producing pharmaceutical substances. These analyzes are particularly relevant due to the pandemic situation to avoid COVID-19 proliferation. Benzene and other alkanes are harmful to human health and should be avoided in hand sanitizer production.

Advancement in analytical techniques for the extraction of grape and wine volatile compounds

The grape and wine aroma is one of the most determining factors of quality, therefore the study of their volatile composition is a very important topic in vitiviniculture. The range of concentrations in which many of these compounds are found is quite low, in concentrations of ng/L; due to this, a sample preparation stage is necessary before doing the chromatographic analysis of the volatile compounds. In this review, the main analytical techniques used for the extraction of volatile compounds in grapes and wines are studied. The techniques presented are liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid phase extraction (SPE), solid phase microextraction (SPME), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), and thin film solid phase microextraction (TF-SPME). For each of these techniques, a description was made, and the different characteristics were numbered, as well as their main advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, from the second technique, a comparison is made with the previous techniques, explaining the reasons why new techniques have emerged. Throughout the review it is possible to see the different techniques that have been emerging in the past years as an improvement of the classical techniques.

Effects of winemaking on ‘Marselan’ red wines: volatile compounds and sensory aspects

Winemaking processes and volatile compounds perform an important role in contributing to the quality of wines. ‘Marselan’ is a red grape variety grown in several countries such as France, Brazil and China. This variety has gained international interest in recent years. The volatile profile of Brazilian ‘Marselan’ red wines during various winemaking processes was studied. Four processes were applied: thermovinification, integrale vinification, classic winemaking and classic winemaking pretreated with ultrasound. The wines were characterized with conventional physicochemical analyses, volatile composition and sensory analysis. Sixty-three volatile compounds were identified and semi-quantified. The wines presented different sensory characteristics. The thermovinification and classic winemaking with ultrasound application methods showed a large presence of esters contributing to a fruity and overmaturation aroma in the volatile profile and sensory analysis. An increased presence of vegetal and sulfurous aromas was observed in the wines from the classic winemaking and integrale vinification processes. This effect was most likely attributed to the lower influence of esters which generated a greater perception of other compounds and conferred these aromas. The differences can be directly linked to the various extraction rates in the vinification processes, which result in different interactions between the compounds.

Sensory descriptive and comprehensive GC-MS as suitable tools to characterize the effects of alternative winemaking procedures on wine aroma. Part II: BRS Rúbea and BRS Cora

The present manuscript assessed the volatile and sensory profiles of BRS Rúbea and BRS Cora wines elaborated from traditional, grape pre-drying and submerged cap winemaking. The wines contained a higher concentration of acetates (257 mg L^-1 to 547 mg L^-1) and ethyl and methyl esters (183 mg L^-1 to 456 mg L^-1) in comparison with Vitis vinifera wines. PCA was applied (explaining 68.43% of the total variance), and the higher concentration of ethyl decanoate and ethyl octanoate, diethyl succinate, hydroxylinalool, and 2-phenyl ethanol was responsible for describing the BRS Rúbea wines as fruity/foxy. They also presented an intense jam note, probably due to their higher concentration of syringol and guaiacol. BRS Cora wines exhibited a vegetal note, possibly due to their higher concentration of 1-hexanol and cis-3-hexenol. Wines from pre-dried grapes presented higher concentration of furfural, assuming a bitter/burned almond aroma. Alternative winemaking accounted for suitable changes in wine aroma, enhancing wine quality.

Comparison between sensory evaluation and SPME GC-MS in Brazilian's sparkling wines

Looking for understand which is the profile aromatic's complexity in Brazilian's sparkling wines, this study's objective was to evaluate 5 samples of commercial sparkling wines by sensory analysis, and also by a gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS). At the sensory analysis, in Brazil's panel, from a total of 5 sparkling samples, were made 155 determinations of aromas found at wines, with 31 distinct descriptors. The same process was realized at the Italian's panel, and at this time we found 188 determinations of aromas from all the 5 sparkling's samples, with 31 distinct descriptors. For the volatile compounds analysis the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 26 compounds, the most of them have a fruity characteristic. This study demonstrated the Brazilian's sparkling wines have a profile fruity and floral, with maturation notes.