Viernes, 23 Febrero 2018 12:31

Researchers analyse the effect of C02pressure on the aroma of sparkling wines Destacado

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An UCO research team is studying the effect of carbon dioxide pressure on yeast metabolism during the second fermentation of sparkling wines

During alcoholic fermentation, yeasts turn sugar into ethanol and CO2gas. The gas forms the small bubbles which distinguish sparkling wines from “still” wines. High-quality sparkling wines are made using the traditional method, which requires a second alcoholic fermentation of a base wine – to which sugar and yeasts are added – in sealed bottles, followed by an interval of ageing in contact with yeast lees. This method was first described by the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pèrignon (1638-1715). When sugar is added to a wine and a second fermentation is carried out in an open container, the C02 produced is released into the atmosphere; however, when the second fermentation is carried out in a sealed container or bottle, the CO2overpressure released affects yeast metabolism. 

Los profesores JC Mauricio (izquierda) y J.Moreno

The Vitenol research team, led by Juan Moreno, Professor of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Sciencesat the University of Córdoba, is studying the effect of the conditions in which the second fermentation takes place in sealed bottles on the volatile metabolites produced by yeasts and thus on the aroma and quality of sparkling wines. A paper published recently in the journal Food Chemistrydescribes changes in the volatile components released by the yeast Saccharomycescerevisiaeduring the second fermentation under the stress conditions prompted by C02pressure caused by the yeast itself. 

Research findings have shown that CO2 pressure mainly affects ethyl esters – ethyl  dodecanoate, ethyl tetradecanoate, hexyl acetate, ethyl butanoate and ethyl isobutanoate – which are associated with the fruity and floral aromas in wine.

As the researchers explain,until now attention has focused on the aroma composition before and after the second fermentation, but no experiments have previously been performed to compare the effects of second fermentation in sealed and open containers.The published study provides new information regarding the effect of CO2 pressure on yeast metabolism and the changes taking place in the levels of volatile molecules associated with aroma and quality in sparkling wines. This research marks “an important first step, which will open up new avenues when selecting yeasts with the final aim of improving the production of sparkling wines and other drinks,which are so popular at present”. 

Martinez-Garcia, R; Garcia-Martinez, T; Puig-Pujol, A; Mauricio, JC; Moreno, J. (2017) Changes in sparkling wine aroma during the second fermentation under CO2 pressure in sealed bottle. FOOD CHEMISTRY, 237, 1030–1040.DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.06.066

 

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