The use of Pulsed Light to reduce native population on the pruina of grapes, and the use of Lachancea thermotolerans as red wine acidifier

Pulsed light is an emerging technology used to limit the proliferation of microorganisms in food matrices. The treatment consists on the emission of ultra-short high intensity white light pulses. The light is composed by ultraviolet, visible and near infrared spectra. Its use in enology allows the winemaker to carry on ternary (simultaneous) and sequential fermentations. The PL working conditions were determined through this investigation at the same time that the implantation feasibility of yeast and bacteria for the acidification of red wine was assed. The experimental set up evaluated different doses (number of pulses and energy density) on destemmed grapes. The grapes were placed inside a laboratory-scale cabinet inside a tray and the grapes were mixed randomly three times within the treatment. The microorganisms (both native and inoculated) were followed up with selective and differential growing media. The yeast population decreased 1.2 log10 UFC/mL, although the reduction is less sensitive when the initial population is already low (e.g. 1 × 102 UFC/mL). The use of PL favored the accumulation of lactic acid, produced by either yeast or bacteria, in treated musts. The concentration of lactic acid was higher when using L. thermotolerans against the use of O. oenni in coinoculation or sequential MLF.

Wine yeast selection in the Iberian Peninsula: Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces as drivers of innovation in Spanish and Portuguese wine industries

Yeast selection for the wine industry in Spain started in 1950 for the understanding of the microbial ecology, and for the selection of optimal strains to improve the performance of alcoholic fermentation and the overall wine quality. This process has been strongly developed over the last 30 years, firstly on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and, lately, with intense activity on non-Saccharomyces. Several thousand yeast strains have been isolated, identified and tested to select those with better performance and/or specific technological properties. The present review proposes a global survey of this massive ex-situ preservation of eukaryotic microorganisms, a reservoir of biotechnological solutions for the wine sector, overviewing relevant screenings that led to the selection of strains from 12 genera and 22 species of oenological significance. In the first part, the attention goes to the selection programmes related to relevant wine-producing areas (i.e. Douro, Extremadura, Galicia, La Mancha and Uclés, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Sherry area, and Valencia). In the second part, the focus shifted on specific non-Saccharomyces genera/species selected from different Spanish and Portuguese regions, exploited to enhance particular attributes of the wines. A fil rouge of the dissertation is the design of tailored biotechnological solutions for wines typical of given geographic areas.

Improvement of Must Fermentation from Late Harvest cv. Tempranillo Grapes Treated with Pulsed Light

Pulsed light irradiation is a nonthermal technology currently used for the elimination of pathogens from a diverse range of food products. In the last two decades, the results obtained using PL at laboratory scale are encouraging wine experts to use it in the winemaking industry. PL can reduce native yeast counts significantly, which facilitates the use of starter cultures, reducing SO2 requirements at the same time. In this experimental set up, Tempranillo grapes were subjected to pulsed light treatment, and the fermentative performance of non-Saccharomyces yeasts belonging to the species Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Lachancea thermotolerans, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Hanseniaspora vineae was monitored in sequential fermentations against spontaneous fermentation and pure culture fermentation with the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The experimental analyses comprised the determination of anthocyanin (High performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector-HPLC-DAD), polyphenol index and colour (Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy-UV-Vis spectrophotometer), fermentation-derived volatiles (Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector-GC-FID), oenological parameters (Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy-FT-IR) and structural damage of the skin (atomic force microscopy-AFM). The results showed a decrease of 1.2 log CFU/mL yeast counts after pulsed light treatment and more rapid and controlled fermentation kinetics in musts from treated grapes than in untreated samples. The fermentations done with treated grapes allowed starter cultures to better implant in the must, although a larger anthocyanin loss (up to 93%) and an increase in hue values (1 unit) towards more yellow hues were observed for treated grapes. The development of biomass was larger in musts from treated grapes. The profile of volatile compounds and oenological parameters reveals that fermentations carried out with untreated grapes are prone to deviations from native microbiota (e.g., production of lactic acid). Finally, no severe damage on the skin was observed with the AFM on treated grapes.

White wine processing by UHPH without SO2. Elimination of microbial populations and effect in oxidative enzymes, colloidal stability and sensory quality

The use of UHPH sterilization in the absence of SO₂ has been used to eliminate wild microorganisms and inactivate oxidative enzymes. A white must of the Muscat of Alexandria grape variety was continuously processed by UHPH at 300 MPa (inlet temperature: 23-25 °C). The initial microbial load of the settled must was 4-log CFU/mL for both yeast and moulds, and slightly lower for bacteria. After UHPH processing, no microorganisms were detected in 1 mL. UHPH musts remain without fermentative activity for more than 60 days. Concentrations of the thermal markers indicated the absence of thermal damage in the UHPH-treated musts, since 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was not detected. In addition, the must treated by UHPH keeps terpene concentrations similar to those of the untreated controls. A strong inactivation of the oxidative enzymes was observed, with no browning at room temperature for more than 3 days. The antioxidant value of the UHPH-treated must was 156% higher than the control.

Contribution of Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts to Wine Freshness. A Review

Freshness, although it is a concept difficult to define in wines, can be understood as a combination of different circumstances. Organolepticwise, bluish red, floral and fruity, more acidic and full-bodied wines, are perceived as younger and fresher by consumers. In traditional winemaking processes, these attributes are hard to boost if no other technology or biotechnology is involved. In this regard, the right selection of yeast strains plays an important role in meeting these parameters and obtaining wines with fresher profiles. Another approach in getting fresh wines is through the use of novel non-thermal technologies during winemaking. Herein, the contributions of non-Saccharomyces yeasts and emerging technologies to these parameters are reviewed and discussed.

Sonication of Yeast Biomasses to Improve the Ageing on Lees Technique in Red Wines

Ageing on Lees (AOL) is a technique to improve the aromatic and gustatory complexity of wine, mainly by improving its body and reducing its astringency. However, the autolytic process is slow, resulting in high production costs. This work evaluated the effect of adding sonicated lees and combining it with oak chips, as a new technique to accelerate the AOL process and improve the aromatic quality of aged red wine. Cell disruption due to sonication was verified by optical microscopy. Volatile acidity, total polyphenol index, color intensity, tonality, dissolved oxygen, anthocyanins, and fermentative volatiles were monitored throughout the ageing of the wines. Sensory analysis was performed at the end of the ageing process. Polysaccharides released from the cell walls and the oxygen consumption, was quantified using a hydroalcoholic solution. The results indicated a 20% increase of the polysaccharide content and suggested an increase in the antioxidant capacity of the lees. No significant changes were observed in the fermentative volatile compounds and the total polyphenol index (TPI), except for those wines in contact with wood. The sonication of lees had some protective effect on the total anthocyanins content, however, color intensity was significantly lower in the sonicated treatments. The sonication of the lees did not cause any defect at the sensory level. Therefore, sonication could allow a reduction in the SO₂ addition to wine, as well as a shortening of the ageing times.

Study of the Interaction of Anthocyanins with Phenolic Aldehydes in a Model Wine Solution

Aldehydes may be present in wines as a result of metabolic processes during wine fermentation or through oxidation and extraction from wood during wine aging in oak barrels. Apart from acetaldehyde, the most abundant aldehyde in wine, other aldehydes such as furfural and more recently vanillin have shown to contribute to the formation of more stable pigments. The copigmentation effect of phenolic molecules, including flavanols and anthocyanins themselves, has been previously evaluated in wine and model solutions, and even the effect of aldehydes related to wine aging has been documented at different pHs and molar ratios. The copigmentation phenomenon is observed by hyperchromic effects and bathochromic shifts of λ_max, and, in the same time, the presence of larger molecular weight pigments, potentially less susceptible to degradation, was followed up. This experimental work intended to evaluate the potential of five different aldehydes, all of which are safe for human consumption and are used in the food industry, to the formation of pyranoanthocyanin-like and polymeric pigments in the model solution.

Formation of polymeric pigments in red wines through sequential fermentation of flavanol-enriched musts with non-Saccharomyces yeasts

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts may contribute to enrich wine aroma while promoting the formation of stable pigments. Yeast metabolites such as acetaldehyde and pyruvate participate in the formation of stable pigments during fermentation and wine aging. This work evaluated the formation of polymeric pigments in red musts added with (+)-Catechin, ProcyanidinB2 and ProcyanidinC1. The non-Saccharomyces yeasts used were Lachancea thermotolerans, Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Torulaspora delbrueckii in sequential fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Use of Lachancea thermotolerans led to larger amounts of polymeric pigments in sequential fermentation. (+)-Catechin is the flavanol prone to forming such pigments. The species Metschnikowia pulcherrima produced higher concentration of esters and total volatile compounds. The sensory analysis pointed out differences in fruitiness and aroma quality. The results obtained strengthen the fact that metabolites from non-Saccharomyces yeasts may contribute to form stable polymeric pigments while also influencing wine complexity.

Yeast influence on the formation of stable pigments in red winemaking

The anthocyanin profile of a wine greatly varies over time depending on many factors. In addition to color modifications due to changes in the chemical composition of wine, there may be some influence of the yeast strain used in fermentation. The main aim of this study is to identify and quantify the different ways in which yeast may influence on wine color and its stability, during red winemaking. Hydroxycinnamate decarboxylase activity was measured by the ability to transform the p-coumaric acid (HPLC-DAD). Acetaldehyde (GC-FID) and pyruvic acid (Y15 enzymatic autoanalyser) contents were monitored along fermentation. Stable pigments formation, including vitisins, vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins and flavanols-anthocyanins adducts, were analyzed by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS. Moreover, the ability of adsorbing color molecules by yeasts' cell walls was assessed. It could be concluded that the strain used has substantial influence on the formation of stable pigments, and therefore, proper yeast selection is important to ensure the stability of the wine coloring matter.

Use of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Torulaspora delbrueckii strains in mixed and sequential fermentations to improve red wine sensory quality

One of the main opportunities in the use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts is its great intraspecific variability in relation to the synthesis of secondary products of fermentation. Thus, mixed or sequential fermentation with non-Saccharomyces can increase the synthesis of certain metabolites that are important for colour stability, such as acetaldehyde and pyruvic acid (vitisin precursors) or vinylphenols (vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanin precursors). Furthermore, the selection and use of non-Saccharomyces yeast strains with good yields in the production of certain volatile compounds (ethyl lactate, 2,3-butanediol, 2-phenylethyl acetate), with limited formation of higher alcohols, is a way to improve the aromatic profile of red wine. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of sequential and mixed fermentations with Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Torulaspora delbrueckii strains on red wine's sensory quality. Anthocyanins and aromatic profiles, as well as glycerol and organic acid content, were analysed in the red wines obtained. Results show that, in general, mixed fermentations can promote an increment in polyols synthesis, while sequential fermentations can enhance the herbaceous aroma. Moreover, the use of T. delbrueckii in mixed fermentations allowed an increase to the fruity character of red wine. The use of S. pombe in sequential fermentations increased the stability of the colouring matter by favouring vitisins and vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanin formation.

Effect of Saccharomyces strains on the quality of red wines aged on lees

Ageing on lees involves ageing the wine in contact with yeast cells after fermentation. If combined with the addition of oak chips, it can soften the wood flavour and increase the aromatic complexity of wine. The aim of the present work is to optimise both ageing techniques through selection of an adequate Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. The study lasted 6 months and content of polysaccharides, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, volatile compounds, colour parameters and sensory analysis, were periodically evaluated. Among the strains tested, G37 showed the highest release of polysaccharides (24.4±5.5 mg l(-1)). Vanillin, syringaldehyde and furfuryl alcohol increased with ageing time in 7VA2 treatment. The wine aged with CTPL14 strain presented fewer monomeric and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (12.4±0.6 and 83.4±8.3 mg l(-1), respectively), and showed the lowest astringency and bitterness sensations. Results show an improvement in the sensory profile of the red wine aged with a combination of these two techniques.

Reduction of 4-ethylphenol production in red wines using HCDC+ yeasts and cinnamyl esterases

Hydroxycinnamate decarboxylase (HCDC) activity has been evaluated in several commercial yeast strains. The combined effect of using cinnamyl esterases (CE) and HCDC+ Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains has been studied in the formation of vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins (VPAs) during fermentation, analysing the kind and concentration of pigments formed according to the yeast strain used. Wines fermented with yeasts HCDC+ were contaminated with Dekkera bruxellensis and afterwards analysed to evaluate the formation of ethylphenols (EPs). The musts treated with CE and later fermented with HCDC+ yeast strains showed lower contents of 4-ethylphenol than those fermented with HCDC- strains. This reduction in the EP content is due to the transformation of hydroxycinnamic acids in stable VPAs pigments. The associated use of CEs and HCDC+ Saccharomyces strains is a natural strategy to reduce the formation of EPs in wines contaminated by Dekkera/Brettanomyces.

Formation of pyranoanthocyanins by Schizosaccharomyces pombe during the fermentation of red must

Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a non-Saccharomyces yeast strain that can ferment grape musts with high sugar contents - but it also has other metabolic and physiological properties that render it of great interest to wine biotechnologists. This work compares the production of pyranoanthocyanins by S. pombe, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces uvarum during fermentation. Total pyranoanthocyanins ranged from 11.9 to 19.4 mg/l depending on the strain of S. pombe used. On average, S. pombe produced more pyruvic acid than did either Saccharomyces species; as a consequence it also formed more vitisin A-type pigments. S. pombe 938 produced the largest quantity of vitisin A (11.03±0.82 mg/l). The formation of large amounts of pyranoanthocyanins intensifies the post-fermentation colour of wines somewhat, a phenomenon that helps them maintain their colour over ageing as the natural grape anthocyanins become degraded. Some of the S. pombe strains showed hydroxycinnamate decarboxylase activity, which favours the formation of vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins. Fermentation with S. pombe therefore provides an interesting way of increasing the overall pyranoanthocyanin content of red wines, and of stabilising their colour during ageing.

A method for estimating Dekkera/Brettanomyces populations in wines

AIMS

The formation of ethylphenols in wines, a consequence of Dekkera/Brettanomyces metabolism, can affect their quality. The main aims of this work were to further our knowledge of Dekkera/Brettanomyces with respect to ethylphenol production, and to develop a methodology for detecting this spoilage yeast and for estimating its population size in wines using differential-selective media and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This work examines the reduction of p-coumaric acid and the formation of 4-vinylphenol and 4-ethylphenol (recorded by HPLC-DAD) in a prepared medium because of the activities of different yeast species and populations. A regression model was constructed for estimating the population of Dekkera/Brettanomyces at the beginning of fermentation via the conversion of hydroxycinnamic acids into ethylphenols.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed methodology allows the populations of Dekkera/Brettanomyces at the beginning of fermentation to be estimated in problem wines. Moreover, it avoids false positives because of yeasts resistant to the effects of the selective elements of the medium.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This may help prevent the appearance of organoleptic anomalies in wines at the winery level.

Formation of vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins by selected yeasts fermenting red grape musts supplemented with hydroxycinnamic acids

The aim of this work was to study the formation of vinylphenolic pyroanthocyanin pigments by three strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and one strain each of Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces montuliensis during the fermentation of red grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo) must containing additional hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid or p-coumaric acid, 50 mg/l). These pigments were identified and quantified by high pressure liquid chromatography-diode array detection, their structures confirmed by liquid chromatography/electrospray interface-mass spectrometry, and their mechanisms of formation proposed. Depending on the yeast strain employed, different quantities of these pigments were formed. These pigments affect the colour of the finished wine, sometimes greatly intensifying it.