Search Results (14)

Wine jelly is regarded as a delicacy in many countries and is commonly utilized in grande cuisine. Recently, its popularity has increased among consumers due to its dietary properties and the presence of health-promoting compounds such as antioxidants. Its natural origin and the ability to reflect local traditions and consumer preferences further enhance its appeal. This study aimed to compare the compositional and sensory characteristics of wine jellies prepared using three different gelling agents and four aromatic grape varieties, with the goal of preserving varietal aroma in the final products. White wines from Pálava and Moravian Muscat and red wines from Agni and Rosa were used. The selected gelling agents were agar, vegan gelatin, and traditional gelatin. Basic analytical parameters were assessed in both the wines and the resulting jellies. Sensory evaluation was conducted by trained panelists, assessing consistency, appearance (clarity), taste, and bouquet. Confectionery-grade jelly from red wines demonstrated the best consistency, while gelatin jellies from white wines showed superior clarity. Due to a preference for sweeter flavors, jellies from red wines were favored across all variants. The strongest varietal bouquet was observed in Moravian Muscat samples, irrespective of the gelling agent used. The optimal choice of gelling agent depends on the target quality attributes. Gelatin is preferred for firmness and clarity, while vegan gelatin is ideal for preserving aroma and achieving a balanced sensory profile. Full article

The cultivation of ‘Shine Muscat’ grapes is rapidly expanding in East Asia due to their desirable qualities and muscat flavor. Studies have revealed that storing these grapes at an controlled freezing-point temperature diminishes their muscat flavor, whereas storage at 10 °C preserves it. However, the impact of a higher storage temperature on the evolution of microbial communities remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the mycobiota dynamics of ‘Shine Muscat’ grape bunches under different cold storage temperatures. A total of 1,892,842 and 1,643,200 sequences were obtained from berries and pedicels, identifying over 208 fungal genera from 6 phyla. Xylariaceae was the most abundant family, with a prevalence between 7.21% and 69.27% across all sample groups. The primary genera included Zygosporium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Acremonium, Podosordaria, Zasmidium, Penicillium, and Alternaria. Spoilage-related fungi varied with storage temperature, with Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria being dominant at 0 °C and Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria being prevalent at 10 °C. The fungal profiles of berries and pedicels differed significantly, and storage temperature further influenced these variations. Our findings highlight distinct fungal diversity and spoilage patterns in ‘Shine Muscat’ grape bunches from the Nanning region compared to those grown in temperate areas, revealing the unique microbial evolution of grape bunches stored at different temperatures in Nanning. Full article

Monoterpenes are a class of volatile organic compounds that play crucial roles in imparting floral and fruity aromas to Muscat-type grapes. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underpinning monoterpene biosynthesis in grapes, particularly following abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the impact of exogenous ABA on monoterpene biosynthesis in Ruiduhongyu grape berries by employing Headspace Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS) analysis and transcriptome sequencing. The results suggested significant differences in total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and total acid content. ABA treatment resulted in a remarkable increase in endogenous ABA levels, with concentrations declining from veraison to ripening stages. ABA treatment notably enhanced monoterpene concentrations, particularly at the E_L37 and E_L38 stages, elevating the overall floral aroma of grape berries. According to the variable gene expression patterns across four developmental stages in response to ABA treatment, the E_L37 stage had the largest number of differential expressed genes (DEGs), which was correlated with a considerable change in free monoterpenes. Furthermore, functional annotation indicated that the DEGs were significantly enriched in primary and secondary metabolic pathways, underlining the relationship between ABA, sugar accumulation, and monoterpene biosynthesis. ABA treatment upregulated key genes involved in the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, enhancing carbon allocation and subsequently impacting terpene synthesis. This study also identified transcription factors, including MYB and AP2/ERF families, potentially modulating monoterpene and aroma-related genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) linked ABA-induced gene expression to monoterpene accumulation, highlighting specific modules enriched with genes associated with monoterpene biosynthesis; one of these modules (darkgreen) contained genes highly correlated with most monoterpenes, emphasizing the role of ABA in enhancing grape quality during berry maturation. Together, these findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of exogenous ABA on monoterpene compounds and grape berry flavor development, offering potential applications in viticulture and enology. Full article

This study investigates innovative approaches to improve the quality and aroma characteristics of Muscat Hamburg wine production by substituting the conventional Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast with an efficient fermentation strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The typical use of S. cerevisiae in Muscat Hamburg wine often leads to uniformity and prolonged processing times, requiring subsequent malolactic fermentation to degrade excessive malic acid. The study advocates for the replacement of S. cerevisiae with a specific S. pombe strain, Sp-410, isolated from the fermented grains of sauce-flavor Baijiu, a Chinese spirit. Muscat Hamburg wine fermented with the S. pombe strain demonstrates decreased malic acid levels, offering a potential alternative to malolactic fermentation. However, exclusive S. pombe fermentation may result in an overproduction of acetic acid metabolites, leading to a monotonous taste. In response, the study proposes a mixed fermentation approach, combining the S. pombe strain with a Saccharomyces uvarum strain and a non-Saccharomyces yeast, Torulaspora delbrueckii. The optimized mixed fermentation strategies (M:SP+TD and M60SP+TD) involve specific proportions and intervals of inoculation, aiming to enhance the quality and aroma complexity of Muscat Hamburg wine. In conclusion, this research contributes to advancing the production of high-quality Muscat Hamburg wines, utilizing S. pombe as the primary yeast strain and implementing mixed fermentation methodologies. Full article

The most well-known traditional Greek grape marc distillate made from winemaking pomace is called “Tsipouro”. Its production involves various grape pomace cultivars, preparation protocols, and anise-flavoring or not, and it should be a colorless liquid with intense organoleptic properties due to the raw materials used in its production and have a minimum alcoholic strength of 37.5% by volume. This study aimed to characterize the volatilome of tsipouro products by covering as many geographical areas and production styles as possible, as there is a lack of characterization of the aromatic composition of this Greek traditional alcoholic beverage. A Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) method was applied in 60 samples, resulting in the identification and semi-quantification of over 90 volatile compounds. The statistical analysis pointed out the metabolites that characterized each traditional product group and underlined the influence of the geographical origin and the production protocol. Aniseed spirits from Northern Greece, Macedonia, Limnos Island, and Thessaly, produced from Muscat pomaces, were found to be richer in terpenes, terpenoids, and flavored compounds, attributing to product aroma and quality; different terpenoids were found to be dominant in Muscat distillates from different regions, showing the importance of geographical origin and production process. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the high aroma variability of the Greek Tsipouro, explained that this diversity is caused mainly by the raw material, and could be helpful in the better protection of the origin of this traditional product and the improvement of its quality. Full article

The selection of appropriate grapevine trellis systems is of great importance for regulating vine vigor, forming grape yield, improving fruit quality, and labor-saving field management in the North China Plain. The effects of two trellis systems on the viticultural characteristics and fruit quality of three table grape cultivars: RuiduHongyu (RDHY), RuiduXiangyu (RDXY), and Red Globe (RG) were investigated. The two trellis systems were: (i) T trellis, with shoots positioned horizontally and downwards; and (ii) V trellis, with shoots positioned upright with an inclined angle. Headspace-solid-phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to determine the compositions and contents of the monoterpenes in the fruit. The results showed that for RDHY and RG, the T trellis showed better shoot growth consistency. The sugar–acid ratios of RDHY in 2019 and RDXY in 2021 under the T trellis were significantly higher than those under the V trellis. In 2020 and 2021, RDHY showed significantly higher total anthocyanin, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin concentrations under the T trellis. The total monoterpene content in RDHY berries was significantly higher under the T trellis. The aromatic profiles of RDHY and RDXY grapes were similar and were mainly composed of citrus, other floral, other fruit, and rose aromatic characteristics. Among them, the main aromatic characteristics varied greatly among the different treatments. In conclusion, the Eurasian table grape cultivars with muscat flavor showed a more moderate and controllable vine vigor, consistent shoot growth, better fruit quality and taste, and greater accumulation of polyphenolic compounds and monoterpenes under the T trellis system. Full article

The effects of instrumental quality indices on the sensory properties of Shine Muscat grapes harvested 16, 18, 20, and 22 weeks after full bloom (WAFB) were investigated. The berries harvested at 20 and 22 WAFB gained higher sweetness scores than those harvested at 16 and 18 WAFB, showing similar trends to that of total soluble solids (TSS) content. The sourness, astringency, and firmness scores were not significantly different among the samples. The flavor score showed a trend similar to that of sweetness perception. The higher flavor score in the berries harvested at 20 and 22 WAFB seemed to be derived from the development of floral aroma compounds, including linalool and its derivatives, with ripening. Consumer acceptance was highly correlated with sweetness and flavor perceptions. It was concluded that the TSS content and development of floral aroma compounds are the key quality parameters for Shine Muscat grapes, satisfying consumer acceptability in the market. Full article

The effects of fruit bagging treatments with seven different types of bags on the physicochemical characteristics of three table grape cultivars: RuiduZaohong (RDZH), RuiduHongyu (RDHY), and RuiduHongmei (RDHM) were investigated. Headspace-solid-phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to determine the compositions of monoterpenes in the fruit. The results showed that the total soluble solids in RDZH and RDHY fruits treated with the transparent, mesh, yellow, white, and blue bags were significantly higher than the control. The sugar–acid ratio of RDZH was optimized under the transparent bag and yellow bag treatments, and both significantly increased the sugar-acid ratio of RDHY and RDHM. Additionally, mesh bag, transparent bag, and white bag improved the contents of phenolics to a certain extent. The most abundant volatiles were linalool, geraniol, β-myrcene, β-cis-ocimene, and β-trans-ocimene, of which linalool was the main aroma component. The least squares discriminant analysis results showed that linalool, 4-terpineol, and terpinolen could be used to distinguish the main contribution of different bagging treatments for RDZH. Trans-isogeraniol, α-terpineol, and terpinolen could be used for RDHY. Trans-isogeraniol, β-myrcene, and terpinolen could be used for RDHM. In conclusion, transparent and white bags promoted the accumulation of phenolics and monoterpenes while pink and blue bags showed inhibitory effects. Full article

The effects of the level of berry thinning (30% and 50% berry removal) on the quality and sensory properties of Shine Muscat grapes were investigated. As berry thinning increased, the total soluble solids content increased and titratable acidity decreased. Berry thinning increased berry size and cluster weight but caused no change in individual berry weight. Phenolic concentrations as measured by total phenolic, proanthocyanidin, and polymeric tannin concentrations tended to increase with an increase in berry thinning. Gas chromatographic analysis indicated that C6-compounds were the significant constituents of volatile alcohols and aldehydes; linalool was the most abundant monoterpene. Odor activity analysis indicated that (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (E)-2-hexenal, 1-hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenal, (E)-β-damascenone, linalool, and (E)-linalool oxide were active odorants. Berry thinning increased the accumulation of linalool contributing to high sensory flavor scores in thinned berries. Furthermore, its oxidized derivative-linalool oxide-contributed to enhancing the Muscat flavor. In conclusion, berry thinning induced compositional changes in Shine Muscat grape berries by accelerating the ripening rate, contribution to improved sensory properties. Full article

For centuries, wine has had a fundamental role in the culture and habits of different civilizations. Amongst numerous wine types that involve specific winemaking processes, fortified wines possess an added value and are greatly honored worldwide. This review comprises the description of the most important characteristics of the main worldwide fortified wines—Madeira, Port, Sherry, Muscat, and Vermouth—structured in three parts. The first part briefly describes the chemistry of wine flavor, the origin of typical aroma (primary, secondary and tertiary), and the influencing parameters during the winemaking process. The second part describes some specificities of worldwide fortified wine, highlighting the volatile composition with particular emphasis on aroma compounds. The third part reports the volatile composition of the most important fortified wines, including the principal characteristics, vinification process, the evolution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the aging processes, and the most important odor descriptors. Given the worldwide popularity and the economic relevance of fortified wines, much research should be done to better understand accurately the reactions and mechanisms that occur in different stages of winemaking, mainly during the oxidative and thermal aging. Full article

The aroma of grapes and derived wines has long been one of the major traits considered in the selection of grapevine varieties through the centuries. In particular, Muscat aromatic grapes have been highly appreciated and widespread since ancient times. Monoterpenes are the key compounds responsible for the Muscat flavor. A major QTL affecting monoterpene level has been found to co-localize with the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (VvDXS) gene, encoding for the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase enzyme involved in the plastidial pathway of terpene biosynthesis. In more detail, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP 1822) in the coding region of the gene causes a “gain of function” mutation, which is involved in Muscat flavor. In this work, we have developed a digital PCR-based assay to target allelic variations in the VvDXS gene, SNP1822, with the aim to propose a fast and sensitive analytical tool for targeting Muscat-flavored grapevine genotypes. The assay accurately predicts the genetic structure at 1822 SNP, critical for the development of the aroma in the great majority of Muscats. In the case of grapes in which the aromatic component is due to mutations other than SNP 1822 (e.g., Chasselas Musqué and Chardonnay Muscat), further specific assays can be developed. Full article

The Muscat Bailey A (MBA) grape, one of the most prominent grape cultivars in Korea, contains considerable amounts of monoterpene alcohols that have very low odor thresholds and significantly affect the perception of wine aroma. To develop a potential wine starter for Korean MBA wine, nine types of non-Saccharomyces yeasts were isolated from various Korean food materials, including nuruk, Sémillon grapes, persimmons, and Muscat Bailey A grapes, and their physiological, biochemical, and enzymatic properties were investigated and compared to the conventional wine fermentation strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae W-3. Through API ZYM analysis, Wickerhamomyces anomalus JK04, Hanseniaspora vineae S7, Hanseniaspora uvarum S8, Candida railenensis S18, and Metschnikowia pulcherrima S36 were revealed to have β-glucosidase activity. Their activities were quantified by culturing in growth medium composed of different carbon sources: 2% glucose, 1% glucose + 1% cellobiose, and 2% cellobiose. W. anomalus JK04 and M. pulcherrima S36 showed the highest β-glucosidase activities in all growth media; thus, they were selected and utilized for MBA wine fermentation. MBA wines co-fermented with non-Saccharomyces yeasts (W. anomalus JK04 or M. pulcherrima S36) and S. cerevisiae W-3 showed significantly increased levels of linalool, citronellol, and geraniol compared to MBA wine fermented with S. cerevisiae W-3 (control). In a sensory evaluation, the flavor, taste, and overall preference scores of the co-fermented wines were higher than those for the control wine, suggesting that W. anomalus JK04 and M. pulcherrima S36 are favorable wine starters for improving Korean MBA wine quality. Full article

Changes in the biochemistry and flavor of Shine Muscat grapes at different ripening stages (RS) were analyzed to identify factors affecting these characteristics. The yellowness index values were 45.1, 49.4, and 50.2 in the ripening stage 1 (RS1), ripening stage 2 (RS2), and ripening stage 3 (RS3) groups, respectively, representing the different ripening stages. The yellowness of the grape berries tended to increase with ripening due to the gradual breakdown of chlorophylls and the evolution of carotenoids. The total content of monoterpenes, on the other hand, was approximately two-fold higher at RS3 than RS1 and RS2. Moreover, linalool was the most abundant compound contributing to the total content of monoterpenes. The highest correlation was observed between the linalool content and °Brix/acid ratio (r = 0.9981), followed by the monoterpene content and °Brix/acid ratio (r = 0.9933). These findings indicate that changes in the contents of linalool and its oxidized forms may be used as a quality index and an indicator of the timing of harvest for Shine Muscat grapes. Full article

C6 volatiles are synthesized through lipoxygenase-hydroperoxide lyase (LOX-HPL) pathway and these volatiles play important roles in the aromatic quality of grape berries. This study investigated the evolution of both C6 volatiles and the key genes in the LOX-HPL pathway in different table grape cultivars during the berry development period, and further assessed the correlation between the accumulation of C6 volatiles and the expression of these genes in these cultivars. Results showed that hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol were found to be the dominant C6 volatiles in these ripened grape cultivars under two consecutive vintages, and their flavor notes were incorporated in the overall aroma of these cultivars. The cultivar “Xiangfei” showed the most abundant level of C6 aldehydes and C6 acid, whereas the cultivar “Tamina” and “Moldova” possessed the highest C6 alcohol content. The “Muscat of Alexandria” cultivar was found to contain the highest level of C6 esters. C6 volatiles were grouped into three evolutionary patterns in these cultivars during berry development, and their evolution was consistent with the evolution of the LOX-HPL pathway genes’ expression. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the LOX-HPL-pathway-related genes were correlated to the accumulation of C6 volatiles in these cultivars, and VvLOXA appeared to be an important gene that regulated the synthesis of all C6 volatiles. Full article