Search Results (29)

Understanding how chemical composition, phenolic profile, volatile compounds and sensory attributes evolve during wine aging is essential for optimizing quality in premium red wines. This study investigated four consecutive vintages (2017–2020) of Xinomavro red wine (PDO Amyndeo), each produced under identical viticultural and enological conditions and aged for either 12 or 24 months in French oak barrels. Comprehensive chemical, phenolic, colorimetric and volatile analyses were combined with sensory evaluation and multivariate statistics to elucidate vintage- and aging-driven differences. Wines aged for 24 months exhibited higher phenolic richness and antioxidant capacity, with the 2020–24 m sample showing the highest total polyphenols (4230 mg GAE/L) and FRAP values. Sensory analysis revealed clear differentiation among vintages, with younger wines expressing red fruit and tomato leaf aromas, while older vintages displayed dried fruit, caramel, spice and oak-derived notes. PCA demonstrated that PC1 captured phenolic and antioxidant variation, PC2 reflected chromatic intensity and residual sugars, and PC3 represented spicy/vegetal and acidity-related attributes. Multivariate correlation analysis confirmed strong associations between phenolic indices, volatile compounds, and sensory descriptors. Overall, the integration of chemical fingerprinting, volatile profiling and sensory evaluation provides valuable insights into how vintage and barrel aging shape the complexity and quality of Xinomavro wines. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive life-cycle analysis of distribution transformers, based on realized measurements of the increased power losses as a result of their long-term service under real-world conditions. The study is based on aggregated measured data from extensive fleets of oil-immersed distribution transformers characterized by diverse designs, manufacturing vintages, and service lives. The evolution of no-load losses and short-circuit losses is analyzed as a function of operational duration, structural characteristics, and the specific technologies employed for windings and magnetic core construction. Statistical models describing the variation in these losses are presented, highlighting the limitations of the static assumptions commonly utilized in power distribution network planning. On this basis, an approximation of the time evolution of the transformer’s total power and energy losses is proposed as appropriate for implementation in a life-cycle analysis model. Furthermore, the impacts of thermal loading and abnormal operating conditions—such as unbalanced loads, frequent short circuits, and repeated overheating of the transformer oil—are analyzed as drivers of accelerated transformer aging. These effects are integrated into a unified life-cycle framework, enabling the quantitative assessment of loss variations and their associated operational expenditures (OPEX). A numerical example is provided to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of “repair vs. replacement” scenarios, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis that incorporates a carbon component. The findings establish a methodological foundation for a broader assessment of technical condition and energy performance, identifying the optimal intervention point for repair or replacement to support decision-making for Distribution System Operators (DSOs) amidst increasing requirements for efficiency and decarbonization. Full article

Grapevine cultivar, climatic variability, and vinification practices are key determinants of wine composition. This study evaluated the physicochemical, phenolic, and elemental profiles of six wines produced from distinct cultivars cultivated in the Murfatlar Research Station (Romania) over three consecutive growing seasons (2022–2025). Red wines were obtained using differentiated maceration regimes, while white wines were produced with controlled lees contact. Total phenolic content was determined by the Folin–Ciocâlteu method, resveratrol by UHPLC-DAD, and mineral composition by ICP-MS. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to assess the effects of cultivar, vinification method, and vintage year. As expected, red wines exhibited significantly higher total phenolic and resveratrol concentrations than white wines, and maceration duration enhanced phenolic extraction. Cultivar exerted the strongest influence on physicochemical parameters and elemental composition, whereas climatic differences among vintages induced moderate but significant variations. Rare-earth elements and selected macro- and microelements exhibited consistent varietal patterns, supporting their potential as compositional markers. Toxic element concentrations remained within established regulatory limits. These findings highlight the combined influence of genetic, environmental, and technological factors on wine composition and support the integration of phenolic and mineral profiling for varietal differentiation and quality assessment. Full article

Interannual variability in climatic conditions represents a major source of uncertainty in cool-climate viticulture, highlighting the need for cultivar-specific assessments of climate–quality relationships. A multi-year on-farm experiment with six monitoring sites has been conducted in vineyards representative of the Tokaj wine region to monitor and assess vintage effect. This study, as the first part of a broader research project evaluating must components, quantifies relationships between climatic indices and key yield- and sugar-related traits (berry weight, total soluble solids, and total dry extract) in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Furmint grown in the Tokaj wine region over three contrasting vintages. Thermal, radiative, and water-availability variables were calculated for discrete phenological phases and statistically analyzed to identify climatic predictors of berry growth and must composition. Berry weight exhibited pronounced vintage sensitivity, showing consistent associations with precipitation-related variables during early developmental stages. In contrast, total soluble solids and total dry extract displayed weaker and less consistent responses to interannual climatic variability. Several widely used heat-accumulation indices showed limited explanatory power, indicating a moderate climatic sensitivity of sugar-related traits in this cultivar. Overall, the results suggest that early-season climatic conditions exert a stronger influence on berry growth than late-season thermal extremes, while compositional parameters related to sugar accumulation remain comparatively stable. These findings highlight the need to incorporate cultivar-specific response functions into statistical models that assess projected climate-change effects on grape quality. Full article

This paper develops the Mobilized Nostalgia Tourism conceptual model, positioning historic automotive events as dynamic, multisensory mobile heritage performances through which nostalgia is actively produced rather than merely recalled. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship across heritage studies, mobilities and performance perspectives, and destination branding, the model specifies how event design levers (sensory staging, narrative scripting, participation architecture, and digital mediation) can mobilize nostalgia as an affective mechanism, shaping visitor outcomes (authenticity, memorability, attachment, advocacy) and, under certain conditions, destination outcomes (brand meaning, dispersion effects, and cultural capital). The paper uses three illustrative cases—Mille Miglia (Italy), Goodwood Revival (England), and the Historic Acropolis Rally (Greece)—to demonstrate the model’s portability and to highlight variation in how mobilized nostalgia is staged and contested. By clarifying constructs, boundary conditions, and propositions, the paper provides an analytical vocabulary that supports comparative research and offers practical insight for designing heritage events that are emotionally resonant, culturally legitimate, and strategically coherent. The proposed model is widely applicable, extending beyond automotive events to vintage railway, aviation, maritime heritage tourism, and diverse cultural festivals. Furthermore, it translates the mechanism model into a practical design toolkit that can inform event organizers, destination managers, and policymakers as they develop affect-rich heritage experiences and manage trade-offs around authenticity, community legitimacy, and sustainability. Last, the paper outlines empirical pathways, including mixed-method approaches, for future validation of its conceptual propositions. Full article

Malagousia represents one of the most promising white native Greek grapevine varieties, producing wines of excellent quality. This study aimed to explore the quality characteristics of Malagousia wines from Northern Greece (Macedonia and Thessaly regions) and evaluate the impact of location and processing. We hypothesized that processing can exceed the terroir effect on most compositional traits. To verify this hypothesis, 28 commercial single-varietal Malagousia wines were chosen, varying in location, processing, and vintage. Wines were examined for alcohol content, pH, color, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, elemental composition, and sensory attributes. There was a significant variation in the parameters measured among the wine samples depending on the processing applied, such as skin contact, lees aging, and barrel maturation. While aging on lees affected antioxidant activity and aroma complexity, wines aged in oak or acacia barrels displayed higher phenolic content. Common sensory descriptors included citrus (such as lemon and lime), chamomile, and peach, with some wines exhibiting unique notes like caramel or peppermint. Cluster and Principal Component analyses showed distinct clusters based on winemaking methods and, to a lesser degree, place of origin. The results highlight Malagousia’s varietal potential and the significance of carefully managed processing in expressing stylistic and terroir-driven complexity. Full article

Merlot red wines rank among the most distinguished varietals globally. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic compound profiles of Merlot wines and assess the influence of geographical origin and vintage on samples from two Albanian wine regions. Using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, a total of 31 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. These were classified into hydroxybenzoic acids and flavan-3-ols (13 compounds), phenolic acids (9), flavonols (5), and stilbenoids (4). The total phenolic content ranged from 294 mg L⁻¹ in wines from the Mati–Mirdita region to 480 mg L⁻¹ in those from the Durrës–Kavaja region, demonstrating significant regional variation. Notably, the hydroxybenzoic acids and flavan-3-ols exhibited the most pronounced differences, with gallic acid concentrations varying from 123 mg L⁻¹ (Mati–Mirdita) to 170 mg L⁻¹ (Durrës–Kavaja). Both regions’ wines were rich in catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin derivatives, trans-caftaric acid, and ethyl gallate. However, procyanidins were found in higher concentrations in the Mati–Mirdita wines, while other phenolics were more abundant in Durrës–Kavaja samples. These findings underscore the influence of geographical and climatic factors on phenolic composition, offering a robust chemical fingerprinting approach for assessing wine authenticity and quality. Full article

Following the abrupt geochemical and geophysical variations that occurred on the island of Vulcano in September 2021, the search for previous multidisciplinary data on decades-long time spans became necessary to contextualize the newly recorded anomalous variations, which represented a serious threat for the local population. Our analyses of ‘vintage’ reports, old documents and analogue seismograms, broaden our understanding of crustal seismic activity. The results unravel the predominant role of Vulcano’s hydrothermal system with respect to tectonic processes in the generation of seismicity in the analyzed sector. Earthquakes were generally located offshore and achieved a maximum M4.6. A 2D strain release map and DBSCAN application highlight seismogenic volumes to the NW, SW and E offshore of the island and trending NNW-SSE inshore, in agreement with structural patterns. Two major volcano unrests in 1985 and 1988 had seismicity mostly confined to the island. In comparison, the longer duration and typology of seismic signals recorded between 2021 and 2022 make this latest episode peculiar in the context of Vulcano’s past seismic activity. Full article

Drama represents one of the distinct winegrape regions in the continuous growth of northern Greece. Yet, little is known about grape, must, and wine quality in various parts of the region. Determining the physicochemical characteristics of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Agiorgitiko grape varieties grown in different locations in the area across two vintages, their chromatic characteristics, phenolic profile, and organoleptic characteristics were the goal of this study. The results reveal a high variation in the physicochemical characteristics of must and wine among the locations. The location affects the profile of phenolic compounds with procyanidin B2, catechin, procyanidin B3, procyanidin B1, epicatechin, and gallic acid being present in high amounts. Merlot wines from the location with the highest altitude showed a higher amount of quantified phenolics. Altitude positively affected the yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) levels and negatively the wine’s purple hue. Moreover, the grape weight negatively affects the levels of some of the quantified phenolic compounds. On the other hand, both altitude and YAN positively impact the taste of wines. The altitude represents a significant parameter in the location studied that influences the quality parameters and taste of the wines. As part of climate adaptation strategies for viticulture in the Drama region and other comparable regions, high-altitude vineyard development should be studied to preserve the grape’s acidity and counteract warming trends. Full article

Beer produced by autochthonous microbial fermentation is a long-established craft beer style in Belgium that has now been implemented commercially in New Zealand. We used a metabarcoding approach to characterize the microbiome of 11 spontaneously fermented beers produced by a single brewery in Oamaru from 2016 to 2022. Key organic acid concentrations were also determined. Both bacterial and fungal populations varied considerably between vintages and between individual brews produced in 2020. Similarly, for organic acids, the concentrations of L-malic acid, succinic acid, and L-lactic acid statistically differed from one vintage to another. Moreover, a correlation between the concentrations of certain organic acids and microbial composition was inferred by ordination analyses. Through reference to publicly available climate data, humidity and maximum temperature seemed to enhance the abundance of Penicillium and Hanseniaspora in beer microbiota. However, comparison with previously published studies of Belgian lambic beers, similar Russian ales, and publicly available temperature data from these regions showed that the microbial populations of these were relatively stable despite greater extremes of weather. Our results suggest that while climatic variables may influence microbial populations during beer making that employs autochthonous fermentation in New Zealand, such variation is not evident where similar beers are produced in facilities with a long-established history of production. These findings have implications for lambic-style beer production in the context of global climate change, notably where microbial populations may lack environmental adaptation. Full article

Objectives: The choice of vascular access continues to be a critical component in the management of hemodialysis patients. Despite the international consensus favoring arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, the use of central venous catheters (CVCs) remains prevalent, with substantial variations across countries and even among dialysis centers within the same region. This study examines the prevalence of CVC use among chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients in Vienna, Austria, and explores inter-center differences. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on patients receiving CVC-based CHD in Vienna as of March 2023. Patient demographics, comorbidities and their hemodialysis history were collected. Additionally, a subset of the population underwent vascular access (VA) mapping to assess eligibility for AV fistula (AVF) or AV graft (AVG) creation. Results: A total of 335 patients received CVC-based hemodialysis, equaling a CVC proportion of 42.5%. 191 (57.0%) patients on CVC-based CHD gave their consent to record their clinical data and vascular access history. Of the 191 included patients, 61 gave their consent to receive VA mapping. Of the 61 patients who received VA mapping, 60 (98.4%) were eligible for an upper extremity AVF or AVG. There was no significant difference regarding patient demographics, dialysis vintage, history of previous AVF or AVG or Charlson Comorbidity Index between the mapping and non-mapping group. The odds ratio of having a CVC in the absence of in-house vascular surgery was 3.41 (95% CI: 2.31–5.02, p-value < 0.001) compared to patients with in-house vascular surgery. Conclusions: The majority of patients that consented to ultrasound VA mapping fulfilled vascular requirements for AVF or AVG creation. Our study highlights the potential to decrease the prevalence of CVC-based CHD in Vienna that could translate to a reduction in CVC-associated complications. Full article

Norisoprenoids are important chemical compounds to grape and wine aroma, and their content in the grape berries can be greatly affected by varietal, terroir, and environmental factors. In this study, we investigate how major factors, such as genotype and climate conditions, influence the physicochemical properties of grape juice, volatile C13-norisoprenoid compounds, and gene expression profiles of three Vitis vinifera grape varieties: Muscat blanc à Petit grain, Muscat à petits grains rouges, and Gewürztraminer during the production period in 2010 and 2011. The total soluble solids (TSS) of both Muscat varieties were significantly higher in 2011 compared to 2010, reflecting interannual climatic variations, while Gewürztraminer showed no significant differences. At full maturity, total acid of all three cultivars was consistent between the years, indicating genetic determination. Thirteen norisoprenoids were identified, with Muscat varieties showing consistently higher levels than Gewürztraminer, irrespective of the production year. Varietal differences were significant for 13 out of 14 volatile compounds, and vintage effects were notable for 11 compounds, including key aroma contributors β-damascenone and β-ionone. OPLS-DA analysis highlighted distinct volatile profiles for each variety and vintage, influenced by climatic factors such as precipitation and sunlight hours. Gene expression analysis revealed strong correlations between VvCCD1, VvCCD4a, and VvCCD4b genes and C13-norisoprenoid accumulation, with these genes also implicated in the ABA biosynthesis pathway. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VvCCD1, VvCCD4a, and VvCCD4b were linked to variations in norisoprenoid content among the cultivars. Altogether, these findings revealed the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in shaping the physicochemical properties for the grape, volatile profiles, and gene expression patterns of grape berries, with significant implications for viticulture and the winemaking process. Full article

The estimation of parameters in a wine fermentation model provides the opportunity to predict the rate and concentration outcomes, to strategically intervene to change the conditions, and to forecast the rates of heat and carbon dioxide release. The chosen parameters of the fermentation model are the initial assimilable nitrogen concentration and yeast properties (lag time, viability constant, and specific maintenance rate). This work evaluates six methods for parameter estimation: Bard, Bayesian Optimization, Particle Swarm Optimization, Differential Evolution, Genetic Evolution, and a modified Direct Grid Search technique. The benefits and drawbacks of the parameter computational methods are discussed, as well as a comparison of numerical integration methods (Euler, Runge–Kutta, backward differential formula (BDF), and Adams/BDF). A test set of density-time data for five white and five red commercial wine fermentations across vintage, grape cultivar, fermentation temperature, inoculated yeast strain, and fermentor size was used to evaluate the parameter estimation methods. A Canonical Variate Analysis shows that the estimation methods are not significantly different from each other while, in the parameter space, each of the fermentations were significantly different from each other. Full article

Non-Saccharomyces wine yeasts are not only proposed to improve the sensory profile of wine but also for several distinctive promising features. Among them, biocontrol action at different steps of the wine production chain could be a suitable strategy to reduce the use of sulfur dioxide. In this work, the activity of a selected strain of Metschnikowia pulcherrima was evaluated as inoculum in cold clarification with the aim to reduce SO₂ and improve the aromatic profile of the wine. Fermentation processes were carried out at the winery level for two consecutive vintages using a pied de cuve as the starter inoculum coming from indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. M. pulcherrima revealed an effective bio-protectant action during the pre-fermentative stage even if the timely and appropriate starter inoculum in the two years permitted the effective control of wild yeasts during the fermentation also in the control trials. In general, the main oenological characters did not show differences if compared with an un-inoculated trial, while the inoculum of M. pucherrima in cold clarification determined an enhancement of ethyl hexanoate, isobutanol, acetaldehyde, and geraniol even if they are considered in different amounts for each year. Indeed, the analytical and sensory profiles of wines were also influenced by the vintage and variation pied the cuve population. Nonetheless, the overall results indicated that M. pulcherrima led to biocontrol action and an improvement of the aromatic and sensory profile of the wine. Full article

White wines’ oxidative stability is related to a flow of chemical reactions involving a number of native wine compounds comprising their antioxidant metabolome. By applying the combination of powerful and modern analytical approaches (EPR, DPPH, and UPLC-qToF-MS-based metabolomics), we could define wine antioxidant metabolome as the sum of molecular antioxidant markers (AM) characterized by their radical scavenging (AM-RS) and nucleophilic (AM-Nu) properties. The impact of on-lees barrel aging of chardonnay wines on the antioxidant metabolome was studied for two consecutive vintages. The identification of wines’ antioxidant metabolome allows for a detailed understanding of the transient chemical interplays involved in the antioxidant chemistry associated with well-known antioxidants and opens an avenue towards personalized winemaking. The present study gathers for the first time the dynamics of wines’ antioxidant metabolome during on-lees aging. Monitoring the variations of the wine antioxidant metabolome can provide an avenue to better control the winemaking process using the knowledge of how to optimize the wine aging potential. Full article