-
1.
Consumer perception and behaviour related to low-alcohol wine: do people overcompensate?
Bucher, T, Frey, E, Wilczynska, M, Deroover, K, Dohle, S
Public health nutrition. 2020;(11):1939-1947
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compared with standard wines, low-alcohol wines may have several social and health benefits. Innovative production processes have led to high-quality light wines. It is, however, unclear how consumers perceive and consume these alcohol-reduced wines. The current study aimed to investigate how people evaluate low-alcohol wine (Sauvignon Blanc) and if the reduction in alcohol and the information that a wine is low in alcohol influences consumption. DESIGN Randomised controlled trial (RCT). SETTING Participants were invited to a wine tasting and randomised into one of the three conditions: they either tasted a 'new white wine' (12·5 % alcohol content), a 'new low-alcohol white wine' (8·0 % alcohol content) or they tasted the low-alcohol wine but were not aware that the wine was reduced in alcohol (low-alcohol, blinded). PARTICIPANTS Ninety participants (42 % male, mean age = 41 (sd 14) years). RESULTS Mean comparisons showed similar ratings for the low-alcohol conditions and the standard alcohol condition (mean > 5·6/7). The mean consumed amount across all conditions did not differ (162 (sd 71) ml, (F2,86 = 0·43, P > 0·05)), hence people who tasted the low-alcohol wine consumed approximately 30 % less alcohol. However, participants were willing to pay more for the normal wine compared with the low-alcohol wine, (F2,87 = 3·14, P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS Participants did not alter their drinking behaviour in response to the reduced alcohol content, and the low-alcohol wine was perceived positively. There might be an emerging market potential for wine of reduced alcohol content, but consumers may not be willing to pay the same price as for the standard wine.
-
2.
Is it scientifically justifiable to exclude wine and/or unfermented grape derivatives from the diet of consumers with or at risk of developing type-2 diabetes?
Restani, P, Di Lorenzo, C, Fradera, U, Stockley, CS, Teissedre, PL, Ruf, JC, Iasiello, B, Biella, S, Colombo, F, Kosti, RI
Food & function. 2020;(12):10266-10278
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The abuse of alcoholic beverages has been associated with an increased risk of chronic-degenerative diseases, including diabetes mellitus, so that there is a general diffidence towards the low/moderate consumption of wine by individuals with type-2 diabetes (T2D) or at risk of developing it. This narrative review investigates by critical revision of the scientific literature whether wine/grape derivatives must be excluded or if their low/moderate consumption could be part of the daily diet of T2D individuals. Although further intervention studies on the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the development or control of T2D are needed, the burden of evidence suggests that low/moderate wine consumption could have beneficial effects.
-
3.
Disentangling the genetic bases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae nitrogen consumption and adaptation to low nitrogen environments in wine fermentation.
Kessi-Pérez, EI, Molinet, J, Martínez, C
Biological research. 2020;(1):2
Abstract
The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been considered for more than 20 years as a premier model organism for biological sciences, also being the main microorganism used in wide industrial applications, like alcoholic fermentation in the winemaking process. Grape juice is a challenging environment for S. cerevisiae, with nitrogen deficiencies impairing fermentation rate and yeast biomass production, causing stuck or sluggish fermentations, thus generating sizeable economic losses for wine industry. In the present review, we summarize some recent efforts in the search of causative genes that account for yeast adaptation to low nitrogen environments, specially focused in wine fermentation conditions. We start presenting a brief perspective of yeast nitrogen utilization under wine fermentative conditions, highlighting yeast preference for some nitrogen sources above others. Then, we give an outlook of S. cerevisiae genetic diversity studies, paying special attention to efforts in genome sequencing for population structure determination and presenting QTL mapping as a powerful tool for phenotype-genotype correlations. Finally, we do a recapitulation of S. cerevisiae natural diversity related to low nitrogen adaptation, specially showing how different studies have left in evidence the central role of the TORC1 signalling pathway in nitrogen utilization and positioned wild S. cerevisiae strains as a reservoir of beneficial alleles with potential industrial applications (e.g. improvement of industrial yeasts for wine production). More studies focused in disentangling the genetic bases of S. cerevisiae adaptation in wine fermentation will be key to determine the domestication effects over low nitrogen adaptation, as well as to definitely proof that wild S. cerevisiae strains have potential genetic determinants for better adaptation to low nitrogen conditions.
-
4.
Processes and purposes of extraction of grape components during winemaking: current state and perspectives.
Unterkofler, J, Muhlack, RA, Jeffery, DW
Applied microbiology and biotechnology. 2020;(11):4737-4755
Abstract
The quality of red wine is dependent on the presence not only of volatile compounds that influence wine aroma but also on phenolic compounds due to their impact on mouthfeel, colour, flavour and ageing potential. Whereas wine aroma arises from the grapes, action of microorganisms and maturation phenomena, red wine phenolics are predominantly found in the grape berry skins and seeds and are extracted during maceration into the fermenting must (i.e. grape solids and juice). Thus, although every step in winemaking has a significant impact on the outcome of the finished product, it can be considered that fermentation and the ensuing extraction of grape components are the most critical value adding step in the process. This mini-review examines such aspects, and against this backdrop, considers the need for improvements to fermentation control during wine production, to optimise the outcome of extraction from grape solids. Specifically, there is interest in modulating and forecasting wine composition based on grape specifications, and with this, the ability to regulate winery production practices to achieve target quality specifications. Such predictions and measures are proposed to help winemakers adapt to emerging issues associated with climate change. KEY POINTS • Definition and description of important grape metabolites extracted during winemaking. • Description of processes influencing development and extraction of grape components. • Includes key aspects related to vineyard, harvesting, winemaking, and ageing. • Covers future trends regarding extrac Mini-Reviewtion, climate change and production efficiency.
-
5.
Tasting the terroir of wine yeast innovation.
Pretorius, IS
FEMS yeast research. 2020;(1)
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Wine is an archetypal traditional fermented beverage with strong territorial and socio-cultural connotations. Its 7000 year history is patterned by a tradition of innovation. Every value-adding innovation - whether in the vineyard, winery, supply chain or marketplace - that led to the invention of a new tradition spurred progress and created a brighter future from past developments. In a way, wine traditions can be defined as remembered innovations from the distant past - inherited knowledge and wisdom that withstood the test of time. Therefore, it should not be assumed a priori that tradition and innovation are polar opposites. The relations between the forces driven by the anchors of tradition and the wings of innovation do not necessarily involve displacement, conflict or exclusiveness. Innovation can strengthen wine tradition, and the reinvention of a tradition-bound practice, approach or concept can foster innovation. In cases where a paradigm-shifting innovation disrupts a tradition, the process of such an innovation transitioning into a radically new tradition can become protracted while proponents of divergent opinions duke it out. Sometimes these conflicting opinions are based on fact, and sometimes not. The imperfections of such a debate between the 'ancients' and the 'moderns' can, from time to time, obscure the line between myth and reality. Therefore, finding the right balance between traditions worth keeping and innovations worth implementing can be complex. The intent here is to harness the creative tension between science fiction and science fact when innovation's first-principles challenge the status quo by re-examining the foundational principles about a core traditional concept, such as terroir. Poignant questions are raised about the importance of the terroir (biogeography) of yeasts and the value of the microbiome of grapes to wine quality. This article imagines a metaphorical terroir free from cognitive biases where diverse perspectives can converge to uncork the effervescent power of territorial yeast populations as well as 'nomadic' yeast starter cultures. At the same time, this paper also engages in mental time-travel. A future scenario is imagined, explored, tested and debated where terroir-less yeast avatars are equipped with designer genomes to safely and consistently produce, individually or in combination with region-specific wild yeasts and or other starter cultures, high-quality wine according to the preferences of consumers in a range of markets. The purpose of this review is to look beyond the horizon and to synthesize a link between what we know now and what could be. This article informs readers where to look without suggesting what they must see as a way forward. In the context of one of the world's oldest fermentation industries - steeped in a rich history of tradition and innovation - the mantra here is: respect the past, lead the present and secure the future of wine.
-
6.
Sanitization of Oak Barrels for Wine-A Review.
Stadler, E, Fischer, U
Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2020;(19):5283-5295
Abstract
Oak barrels form an integral part of wine production, especially that of high-quality wines where they are implemented as fermentation and aging vessels. Insufficient cleaning and sanitization of barrels can result in microbial spoilage which may have a detrimental impact on wine quality. To date, no review has been published on the various sanitization methods for wine barrels. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the sanitization methods used in wineries from conventional techniques like the use of sulfur dioxide and steam to alternative and new approaches using ozone and high-power ultrasound. The methods' efficacies are outlined in terms of their ability to eradicate spoilage microorganisms such as Brettanomyces and acetic or lactic acid bacteria. Furthermore, their advantages and drawbacks are described together with their influence on physicochemical properties of the wood. Finally, limitations in existing knowledge are discussed and areas that merit further research are identified.
-
7.
Assessing the Aflatoxins Mitigation Efficacy of Blueberry Pomace Biosorbent in Buffer, Gastrointestinal Fluids and Model Wine.
Rasheed, U, Ain, QU, Yaseen, M, Santra, S, Yao, X, Liu, B
Toxins. 2020;(7)
Abstract
Blueberry (BB) and cherry pomace were investigated as new biosorbents for aflatoxins (AFs) sequestration from buffered solutions, gastrointestinal fluids and model wine. Among the tested biosorbents, BB exhibited the maximum adsorption performance for AFs and hence was further selected for the optimization of experimental parameters like pH, dosage, time and initial concentration of AFs. Material characterizations via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isothermal studies, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) techniques revealed useful information about the texture and chemical composition of the biosorbents. The fitting of isothermal data with different models showed the model suitability trend as: Sips model > Langmuir model > Freundlich model, where the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity calculated from the Sips model was 4.6, 2.9, 2.7 and 2.4 mg/g for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2, respectively. Kinetics study revealed the fast AFs uptake by BB (50-90 min) while thermodynamics studies suggested the exothermic nature of the AFs adsorption from both, single as well as multi-toxin buffer systems, gastrointestinal fluids and model wine. Accrediting to the fast and efficient adsorption performance, green and facile fabrication approach and cost-effectiveness, the newly designed BB pomace can be counted as a promising contender for the sequestration of AFs and other organic pollutants.
-
8.
Grapevine as a Rich Source of Polyphenolic Compounds.
Šikuten, I, Štambuk, P, Andabaka, Ž, Tomaz, I, Marković, Z, Stupić, D, Maletić, E, Kontić, JK, Preiner, D
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2020;(23)
Abstract
Grapes are rich in primary and secondary metabolites. Among the secondary metabolites, polyphenolic compounds are the most abundant in grape berries. Besides their important impacts on grape and wine quality, this class of compounds has beneficial effects on human health. Due to their antioxidant activity, polyphenols and phenolic acids can act as anti-inflammatory and anticancerogenic agents, and can modulate the immune system. In grape berries, polyphenols and phenolic acids can be located in the pericarp and seeds, but distribution differs considerably among these tissues. Although some classes of polyphenols and phenolic acids are under strict genetic control, the final content is highly influenced by environmental factors, such as climate, soil, vineyard, and management. This review aims to present the main classes of polyphenolic compounds and phenolic acids in different berry tissues and grape varieties and special emphasis on their beneficial effect on human health.
-
9.
Yeasts for low input winemaking: Microbial terroir and flavor differentiation.
Carrau, F, Boido, E, Ramey, D
Advances in applied microbiology. 2020;:89-121
Abstract
Vitis vinifera flowers and grape fruits are one of the most interesting ecosystem niches for native yeasts development. There are more than a 100 yeast species and millions of strains that participate and contribute to design the microbial terroir. The wine terroir concept is understood when grape and wine micro-regions were delimited by different quality characteristics after humans had been growing vines for more than 10,000 years. Environmental conditions, such as climate, soil composition, water management, winds and air quality, altitude, fauna and flora and microbes, are considered part of the "terroir" and contribute to a unique wine style. If "low input winemaking" strategies are applied, the terroir effect will be expected to be more authentic in terms of quality differentiation. Interestingly, the role of the microbial flora associated with vines was very little study until recently when new genetic technologies for massive species identification were developed. These biotechnologies allowed following their environmental changes and their effect in shaping the microbial profiles of different wine regions. In this chapter we explain the interesting positive effects on flavor diversity and wine quality obtained by using "friendly" native yeasts that allowed the microbial terroir flora to participate and contribute during fermentation.
-
10.
Wine's Phenolic Compounds and Health: A Pythagorean View.
Visioli, F, Panaite, SA, Tomé-Carneiro, J
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2020;(18)
Abstract
In support of the J curve that describes the association between wine consumption and all-cause mortality, researchers and the lay press often advocate the health benefits of (poly)phenol consumption via red wine intake and cite the vast amount of in vitro literature that would corroborate the hypothesis. Other researchers dismiss such evidence and call for total abstention. In this review, we take a skeptical, Pythagorean stance and we critically try to move the debate forward by pointing the readers to the many pitfalls of red wine (poly)phenol research, which we arbitrarily treat as if they were pharmacological agents. We conclude that, after 30 years of dedicated research and despite the considerable expenditure, we still lack solid, "pharmacological", human evidence to confirm wine (poly)phenols' biological actions. Future research will eventually clarify their activities and will back the current recommendations of responsibly drinking moderate amounts of wine with meals.