Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Grape Wine: Genetics, Chemistry, and Sensory Properties

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Viticulture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2026 | Viewed by 2397

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Laboratorio de Microbiología Enológica, Secretaría de Ciencia y Tecnología, Escuela Superior de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Morón, Machado 914, Morón 1708, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Interests: lactic acid bacteria; malolactic fermentation; wine composition; sensory analysis of wine

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Guest Editor
Laboratorio de Aromas y Sustancias Naturales, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (EEA Mendoza INTA), San Martín 3853, Mendoza 5507, Argentina
Interests: oenological technology; wine chemistry; sensory analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The study of grape and wine quality is deeply linked to the chemical composition of grapes and the sensory properties that define consumer preference. Phenolic compounds, aromatic molecules, and other metabolites are central to wine typicity and complexity, and their characterization is essential in advancing both viticultural and enological knowledge. At the same time, research in grapevine genetics is providing valuable insights into the regulation of metabolic pathways that shape grape and wine chemistry. The integration of biochemical analysis, genetic understanding, and sensory evaluation is therefore crucial to fully capture the factors influencing wine quality. We invite contributions on topics such as (1) the chemical profiling of grape and wine metabolites; (2) genetic influences on grape composition and wine traits; (3) relationships between chemical composition and sensory perception; and (4) sensory studies connecting biochemical markers with consumer response. We look forward to receiving contributions that explore the connection between chemistry, genetics, and sensory science in grape wine research.

Dr. Nair Olguín
Dr. Martín Fanzone
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Vitis vinifera
  • grapevine genetics
  • grapevine chemical composition
  • grapevine sensory analysis

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 3720 KB  
Article
Pre-Apical Leaf Removal and Partial Must Substitution as Strategies to Reduce Ethanol in Tannat Red Wines
by Diego Piccardo, Yamila Celio-Ackermann, Guzmán Favre, Florencia Pereyra-Farina, Alejandro Cammarota, Gustavo González-Neves and Mercedes Fourment
Horticulturae 2026, 12(6), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12060674 - 29 May 2026
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Abstract
Climate change and evolving consumer preferences are increasing the demand for wines with lower alcohol content and improved compositional balance. This study evaluated the effects of pre-apical leaf removal (LR) and partial substitution of ripe grape must with must or wine from unripe [...] Read more.
Climate change and evolving consumer preferences are increasing the demand for wines with lower alcohol content and improved compositional balance. This study evaluated the effects of pre-apical leaf removal (LR) and partial substitution of ripe grape must with must or wine from unripe grapes (MS and WS) on ethanol content, acidity, phenolic composition, color, and sensory attributes of Tannat red wines under temperate-humid conditions. A complementary small-scale experiment assessed substitution levels (5–20%). All strategies reduced ethanol content, though with varying effects on wine composition. LR moderately decreased ethanol by limiting carbon assimilation but did not significantly affect acidity and reduced phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins. In contrast, MS and WS were more effective, reducing ethanol, lowering pH, and increasing titratable acidity. These treatments largely preserved phenolic composition and color, especially at moderate substitution levels, whereas post-fermentative blending showed a stronger dilution effect. Sensory differences were limited: LR wines showed lower color intensity, while MS and WS maintained visual attributes similar to the control. Results from the complementary exploratory assay suggested that substitution levels around 15% may provide a suitable balance between ethanol reduction, acidity, phenolic preservation, and sensory acceptability. These strategies offer practical tools to produce balanced, lower-alcohol Tannat wines. Full article
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20 pages, 3216 KB  
Article
Combined Effects of Kaolin Particle Film and Training System on Sunburn Mitigation and Wine Aroma
by Fernando Sánchez-Suárez, Francisco Javier Mesas-Carrascosa and Rafael A. Peinado
Horticulturae 2026, 12(5), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12050554 - 1 May 2026
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Abstract
Climate warming in Mediterranean vineyards accelerates grape ripening and increases the incidence of sunburn and berry shriveling, leading to imbalances in grape composition and wine quality. This study evaluated the combined effects of a non-positioned training system (asymmetric sprawl) and foliar application of [...] Read more.
Climate warming in Mediterranean vineyards accelerates grape ripening and increases the incidence of sunburn and berry shriveling, leading to imbalances in grape composition and wine quality. This study evaluated the combined effects of a non-positioned training system (asymmetric sprawl) and foliar application of kaolin particle film on vine microclimate, agronomic performance and wine aroma profile in a Syrah cv. vineyard under warm conditions. Vine canopy temperature was monitored by UAV thermography at veraison and harvest, while grape damage, yield components and vegetative balance were assessed at harvest. Wines obtained from each treatment were analysed for chemical composition, volatile compounds and sensory attributes. Kaolin application significantly reduced canopy temperature, particularly under water-limited conditions at veraison (up to 1.9 °C), and the combination with sprawl training decreased the proportion of sunburnt and shrivelled clusters. These microclimatic modifications were associated with higher ethanol content, improved colour intensity and increased total polyphenol index in wines. The combined strategy also enhanced the concentration of key aroma compounds, especially terpenes and fruity esters, resulting in higher values of citrus, floral and fruity aromatic series. Sensory evaluation confirmed a better overall appreciation of wines produced from vines managed with both practices. Overall, the integration of canopy architecture modification and reflective particle film represents an effective strategy to mitigate heat stress effects in warm viticultural regions, improving grape physiological performance and contributing to the preservation of wine aromatic quality under climate change scenarios. Full article
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