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    Absorbance-transmission and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (A-TEEM) with multi-block data analysis and machine learning for accurate intraregional classification of Barossa Shiraz wine
    (Elsevier, 2023) Ranaweera, R.K.R.; Bastian, S.E.P.; Gilmore, A.M.; Capone, D.L.; Jeffery, D.W.
    Authentication of wine can be considered at different scales, with classification according to country, province/ state, or appellation/wine producing region. An absorbance-transmission and excitation-emission matrix (ATEEM) technique was applied for the first time to examine intraregional differences, using Shiraz wines (n = 186) produced during three vintages from five subregions of Barossa Valley and from Eden Valley. Absorption spectra and EEM fingerprints were modelled as a multi-block data set for initial exploration with k-means cluster analysis and principal component analysis, and then with machine learning modelling using extreme gradient boosting discriminant analysis (XGBDA). Whereas some clustering was evident with the initial unsupervised approaches, classification with XGBDA afforded an impressive 100% correct class assignment for subregion and vintage year. Extending the utility and novelty of the A-TEEM approach, predictive models for chemical parameters (alcohol, glucose + fructose, pH, titratable acidity, and volatile acidity) were also validated using ATEEM data with XGB regression.
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    Machine learning for classifying and predicting grape maturity indices using absorbance and fluorescence spectra
    (Elsevier, 2023) Armstrong, C.E.J.; Gilmore, A.M.; Boss, P.K.; Pagay, V.; Jeffery, D.W.
    Absorbance-transmission and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (A-TEEM) spectroscopy was investigated as a rapid method for predicting maturity indices using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes produced under four viticulture treatments during two growing seasons. Machine learning models were developed with fused spectral data to predict 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP), pH, total tannins (Tannin), total soluble solids (TSS), and malic and tartaric acids based on the results from traditional analysis methods. Extreme gradient boosting (XGB) regression yielded R² values of 0.92-0.96 for IBMP, malic acid, pH, and TSS for externally validated (Test) models, with partial least squares regression being superior for TSS prediction (R² = 0.97). R² values of 0.64-0.81 were achieved with either approach for tartaric acid and Tannin predictions. Classification of grape maturity, defined by quantile ranges for red colour, IBMP, malic acid, and TSS, was investigated using XGB discriminant analysis, providing an average of 78 % correctly classified samples for the Test model.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Stress-Induced Volatile Emissions and Signalling in Inter-Plant Communication
    (MDPI AG, 2022) Midzi, J.; Jeffery, D.W.; Baumann, U.; Rogiers, S.; Tyerman, S.D.; Pagay, V.
    The sessile plant has developed mechanisms to survive the “rough and tumble” of its natural surroundings, aided by its evolved innate immune system. Precise perception and rapid response to stress stimuli confer a fitness edge to the plant against its competitors, guaranteeing greater chances of survival and productivity. Plants can “eavesdrop” on volatile chemical cues from their stressed neighbours and have adapted to use these airborne signals to prepare for impending danger without having to experience the actual stress themselves. The role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in plant–plant communication has gained significant attention over the past decade, particularly with regard to the potential of VOCs to prime non-stressed plants for more robust defence responses to future stress challenges. The ecological relevance of such interactions under various environmental stresses has been much debated, and there is a nascent understanding of the mechanisms involved. This review discusses the significance of VOC-mediated inter-plant interactions under both biotic and abiotic stresses and highlights the potential to manipulate outcomes in agricultural systems for sustainable crop protection via enhanced defence. The need to integrate physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches in understanding the underlying mechanisms and signalling pathways involved in volatile signalling is emphasised.
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    Impact of accentuated cut edges, yeast strain, and malolactic fermentation on chemical and sensory profiles of Sauvignon blanc wine
    (Elsevier, 2023) Wang, X.; Capone, D.L.; Roland, A.; Jeffery, D.W.
    This pioneering investigation involved the application of accentuated cut edges (ACE) technique to Sauvignon blanc winemaking. The concentration of varietal thiol precursors in juice was significantly higher for ACE treatment compared to conventional crushing, with two-way or three-way interactions of the experimental factors, which included yeast strain and malolactic fermentation, being determined from the wine data. ACE yielded higher concentrations of 4-methyl-4-sulfanylpentan-2-one (4-MSP) and enantiomers of 3-sulfanylhexanol (3-SH) and 3-sulfanylhexyl acetate (3-SHA) in wines that were more abundant in phenolic compounds. Compared to Sauvy yeast strain, VIN13 produced greater amounts of 3-SH and 3-SHA but less 4-MSP with wines exhibiting lower intensity ‘floral’ and ‘fruity’ notes. MLF increased 3-SH and 4-MSP concentrations and led to wines that exhibited more non-fruity sensory attributes. The study revealed the potential of ACE for increasing varietal thiol concentrations in Sauvignon blanc wine and altering overall sensory profiles, with interactions involving yeast strain and MLF.
  • ItemOpen Access
    A systematic review and meta-analysis of vineyard techniques used to delay ripening
    (Oxford University Press (OUP), 2022) Previtali, P.; Giorgini, F.; Mullen, R.S.; Dookozlian, N.K.; Wilkinson, K.L.; Ford, C.M.
    Several vineyard techniques have been proposed to delay grape maturity in light of the advanced maturation driven by increasingly frequent water and heat stress events that are detrimental to grape quality. These studies differ in terms of their experimental conditions, and in the present work we have attempted to summarize previous observations in a quantitative, data-driven systematic review. A meta-analysis of quantitative data gathered across 43 relevant studies revealed the overall significance of the proposed treatments and evaluated the impact of different experimental conditions on the outcome of antitranspirants, delayed pruning and late source limitation. Antitranspirants were most effective when applied twice and closer to veraison, while di-1-p-menthene increased the ripening delay by about 1 °Brix compared to kaolin. Larger ripening delays were achieved with delayed pruning of low-yielding vines or by pruning at later stages of apical bud development. Late defoliation or shoot trimming delayed ripening in high-yielding vines and represent suitable solutions for late-harvested varieties, but became ineffective where the treatment decreased yield. This quantitative meta-analysis of 242 primary observations uncovers factors affecting the efficacy of vineyard practices to delay ripening, which should be carefully considered by grape growers attempting to achieve this outcome.
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    Does delaying the rate of ripening alter aroma compounds?
    (Winetitles, 2022) Previtali, P.; Dokoozlian, N.; Pan, B.; Wilkinson, K.; Ford, C.
    Climate change has resulted in accelerated grape ripening which can lead to poor colour and aroma development. Prolonging grape maturation until optimal phenolic and aroma compounds are achieved is commonly used to counteract this trend. Researchers evaluated whether this technique produces grapes with less sugar and more aroma compounds.
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    Ultrafiltration: a novel approach to managing phenolics in white wine
    (Winetitles, 2022) Sui, Y.; McRae, J.; Muhlack, R.; Wollan, D.; Wilkinson, K.
    Recent Australian trials of ultrafiltration demonstrated that the permeate comprised the majority of the initial wine volume and significantly removed phenolic compounds.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Correlating Sensory Assessment of Smoke-Tainted Wines with Inter-Laboratory Study Consensus Values for Volatile Phenols
    (MDPI AG, 2022) Favell, J.W.; Wilkinson, K.L.; Zigg, I.; Lyons, S.M.; Ristic, R.; Puglisi, C.J.; Wilkes, E.; Taylor, R.; Kelly, D.; Howell, G.; McKay, M.; Mokwena, L.; Plozza, T.; Zhang, P.; Bui, A.; Porter, I.; Frederick, O.; Karasek, J.; Szeto, C.; Pan, B.S.; et al.
    Vineyard exposure to wildfire smoke can taint grapes and wine. To understand the impact of this taint, it is imperative that the analytical methods used are accurate and precise. This study compared the variance across nine commercial and research laboratories following quantitative analysis of the same set of smoke-tainted wines. In parallel, correlations between the interlaboratory consensus values for smoke-taint markers and sensory analyses of the same smoke-tainted wines were evaluated. For free guaiacol, the mean accuracy was 94 ± 11% in model wine, while the free cresols and 4-methylguaiacol showed a negative bias and/or decreased precision relative to guaiacol. Similar trends were observed in smoke-tainted wines, with the cresols and glycosidically bound markers demonstrating high variance. Collectively, the interlaboratory results show that data from a single laboratory can be used quantitatively to understand smoke-taint. Results from different laboratories, however, should not be directly compared due to the high variance between study participants. Correlations between consensus compositional data and sensory evaluations suggest the risk of perceivable smoke-taint can be predicted from free cresol concentrations, overcoming limitations associated with the occurrence of some volatile phenols, guaiacol in particular, as natural constituents of some grape cultivars and of the oak used for barrel maturation.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Chemical and Sensory Profiles of Sauvignon Blanc Wine Following Protein Stabilization Using a Combined Ultrafiltration/Heat/Protease Treatment
    (Frontiers, 2022) Sui, Y.; Wollan, D.; McRae, J.M.; Capone, D.L.; Godden, P.; Wilkinson, K.
    Ultrafiltration (UF) was evaluated as a process by which proteins can be selectively removed from white wine as an alternative approach to protein stabilization than traditional bentonite fining. Unfined Sauvignon Blanc wine (50 L) was fractionated by UF and the retentate stabilized either by heat and/or protease treatment or bentonite fining before being recombined with the permeate. The heat stability of recombined wine was significantly improved when retentate was heated following protease (Aspergillopepsin) addition and subsequently stabilized by bentonite treatment. The combined UF/heat/protease treatment removed 59% of protein and reduced the quantity of bentonite needed to achieve protein stability by 72%, relative to bentonite treatment alone. This innovative approach to protein stabilization had no significant impact on wine quality or sensory characteristics, affording industry greater confidence in adopting this technology as a novel approach to achieving protein stability.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Impact of Lachancea thermotolerans on Chemical Composition and Sensory Profiles of Viognier Wines
    (MDPI AG, 2022) Hranilovic, A.; Albertin, W.; Capone, D.L.; Gallo, A.; Grbin, P.R.; Danner, L.; Bastian, S.E.P.; Masneuf-Pomarede, I.; Coulon, J.; Bely, M.; Jiranek, V.
    Viognier is a warm climate grape variety prone to loss of acidity and accumulation of excessive sugars. The yeast Lachancea thermotolerans can improve the stability and balance of such wines due to the partial conversion of sugars to lactic acid during alcoholic fermentation. This study compared the performance of five L. thermotolerans strains in co-inoculations and sequential inoculations with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in high sugar/pH Viognier fermentations. The results high lighted the dichotomy between the non-acidified and the bio-acidified L. thermotolerans treatments, with either comparable or up to 0.5 units lower pH relative to the S. cerevisiae control. Significant differences were detected in a range of flavour-active yeast volatile metabolites. The perceived acidity mirrored the modulations in wine pH/TA, as confirmed via “Rate-All-That-Apply” sensory analysis. Despite major variations in the volatile composition and acidity alike, the varietal aromatic expression (i.e., stone fruit aroma/flavour) remained conserved between the treatments.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Directed evolution as an approach to increase fructose utilisation in synthetic grape juice by wine yeast AWRI 796
    (Oxford University Press (OUP), 2022) Walker, M.E.; Watson, T.L.; Large, C.R.L.; Berkovich, Y.; Lang, T.A.; Dunham, M.J.; Formby, S.; Jiranek, V.
    In winemaking, slow or stuck alcoholic fermentation can impact processing efficiency and wine quality. Residual fructose in the later stages of fermentation can leave the wine ‘out of specification’ unless removed, which requires reinoculation or use of a more fructophilic yeast. As such, robust, fermentation efficient strains are still highly desirable to reduce this risk. We report on a combined EMSmutagenesis and Directed Evolution (DE) approach as a ‘proof of concept’ to improve fructose utilization and decrease fermentation duration. One evolved isolate, Tee 9, was evaluated against the parent, AWRI 796 in defined medium (CDGJM) and Semillon juice. Interestingly, Tee 9 exhibited improved fermentation in CDGJM at several nitrogen contents, but not in juice. Genomic comparison between AWRI 796 and Tee 9 identified 371 mutations, but no chromosomal copy number variation. A total of 95 noncoding and 276 coding mutations were identified in 297 genes (180 of which encode proteins with one or more substitutions). Whilst introduction of two of these, Gid7 (E726K) or Fba1 (G135S), into AWRI 796 did not lead to the fermentation improvement seen in Tee 9, similar allelic swaps with the other mutations are needed to understand Tee 9’s adaption to CDGJM. Furthermore, the 378 isolates, potentially mutagenized but with the same genetic background, are likely a useful resource for future phenotyping and genome-wide association studies.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Effect of 'loss of function' mutation in SER in wine yeast: fermentation outcomes in co-inoculation with non-Saccharomyces
    (International Viticulture and Enology Society - IVES, 2022) Lang, T.A.; Walker, M.E.; Boss, P.K.; Jiranek, V.
    In wine fermentation, improved wine complexity and sensorial properties can arise from the use of non-Saccharomyces yeast. Generally less alcohol tolerant, such strains often do not finish fermentation, therefore requiring a second inoculation with the more robust Saccharomyces cerevisiae, usually added on Day 3. This sequential approach affords non-Saccharomyces time to make an impact before being overtaken by S. cerevisiae. However, two inoculations are inconvenient; therefore the identification of a slow growing S. cerevisiae strain that can be used in a single co-inoculation with the non-Saccharomyces yeast is highly attractive. In this study we investigated the use of the naturally occurring ‘loss of function’ SER1 variant, identified in a Sake yeast, for the purposes of carrying out co-inoculated wine fermentations. The SER1-232(G > C; G78R) change was introduced into the commonly used wine strain, EC1118, via CRISPR/Cas9 editing. In a chemically defined grape juice medium, the SER1(G78R) mutant grew and fermented more slowly and increased acetic acid, succinic acid and glycerol concentrations. Simultaneous inoculation with the slower-growing mutant with a Metschnikowia pulcherrima or Lachancea thermotolerans strain in sterile Sauvignon blanc juice resulted in differences in sensorial compounds, most likely derived from the presence of non-Saccharomyces yeasts. The EC1118 SER1 (G78R) mutant completed fermentation with M. pulcherrima, MP2, and in fact improved the viability of MP2 compared to when it was used as a monoculture. The SER1 (G78R) mutant also promoted both the growth of the SO2-sensitive L. thermotolerans strain, Viniflora® Concerto™, in a juice high in SO2 and its subsequent dominance during fermentation. In co-fermentations with wild-type EC1118, the Concerto™ population was substantially reduced with no significant changes in wine properties. This research adds to our understanding of the use of a novel slow-growing S. cerevisiae yeast in wine fermentations co-inoculated with non-Saccharomyces strains.
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    Rootstock, Vine Vigor, and Light Mediate Methoxypyrazine Concentrations in the Grape Bunch Rachis of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon
    (American Chemical Society, 2022) Sanders, R.D.; Boss, P.K.; Capone, D.L.; Kidman, C.M.; Bramley, R.G.V.; Nicholson, E.L.; Jeffery, D.W.
    Ramsey rootstock has previously been implicated in an approximate 8-fold increase of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) levels in the rachis (grape bunch stem) of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Shiraz scions over own-rooted Shiraz vines at harvest. IBMP extracted from rachis during red wine fermentation can contribute potent “green” flavors. Methoxypyrazines (MPs) are normally present in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, rachis, and wines, but it is unknown whether rootstocks can influence the MP concentration in the rachis. This study considered the effect of eight rootstocks including Ramsey and own roots on the concentrations of IBMP, 3- isopropyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IPMP), and 3-sec-butyl-2-methoxypyrazine (SBMP) in the rachis and grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon over two seasons. IBMP predominated, and its concentration in rachis and berries at harvest was significantly affected by rootstock and growing season. In the 2020 vintage, light exclusion, vine vigor, and spatial variation in vine vigor were shown to significantly affect MP concentrations in rachis.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Unique volatile chemical profiles produced by indigenous and commercial strains of Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae during laboratory-scale Chardonnay fermentations
    (International Viticulture and Enology Society - IVES, 2021) Lyons, S.M.; Morgan, S.C.; McCann, S.; Sanderson, S.; Newman, B.L.; Watson, T.L.; Jiranek, V.; Durall, D.M.; Zandberg, W.F.
    Each wine growing region hosts unique communities of indigenous yeast species, which may enter fermentation and contribute to the final flavour profile of wines. One of these species, Saccharomyces uvarum, is typically described as a cryotolerant yeast that produces relatively high levels of glycerol and rose-scented volatile compounds as compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the main yeast in winemaking. Comparisons of fermentative and chemical properties between S. uvarum and S. cerevisiae at the species level are relatively common; however, a paucity of information has been collected on the potential variability present among S. uvarum strains. The objective of this study was to compare the fermentation kinetics and production of volatile compounds between indigenous and commercial Saccharomyces strains at different temperatures. We compared laboratory-scale fermentation of Chardonnay juice at 15 °C and 25 °C for 11 Saccharomyces yeast strains (six indigenous S. uvarum, one commercial S. uvarum, one indigenous S. cerevisiae and three commercial S. cerevisiae). Fermentation kinetics and the production of volatile compounds known to affect the organoleptic properties of wine were determined. The indigenous S. uvarum strains showed comparable kinetics to commercially sourced strains at both temperatures. Volatile compound production among the strains was more variable at 15 °C and resulted in unique chemical profiles at 15 °C as compared with 25 °C. Indigenous S. uvarum strains produced relatively high levels of 2-phenylethyl acetate and 2-phenylethanol, whereas these compounds were found at much lower levels in fermentations conducted by commercial strains of both S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum. Production of glycerol by indigenous S. uvarum strains did not differ from commercial strains in this study. Our findings demonstrate that indigenous strains of S. uvarum show functional variation among themselves. However, when compared with commercial S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum strains, they have comparable fermentation kinetics but unique volatile compound profiles, especially at low fermentation temperatures.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Amelioration of Smoke Taint in Cabernet Sauvignon Wine via Post-Harvest Ozonation of Grapes
    (MDPI AG, 2021) Modesti, M.; Szeto, C.; Ristic, R.; Jiang, W.; Culbert, J.; Catelli, C.; Mencarelli, F.; Tonutti, P.; Wilkinson, K.
    Strategies that mitigate the negative effects of vineyard exposure to smoke on wine composition and sensory properties are needed to address the recurring incidence of bushfires in or near wine regions. Recent research demonstrated the potential for post-harvest ozonation of moderately smoke-exposed grapes to reduce both the concentration of smoke taint marker compounds (i.e., volatile phenols and their glycosides) and the perceived intensity of smoke taint in wine, depending on the dose and duration of ozone treatment. The current study further evaluated the efficacy of ozonation as a method for the amelioration of smoke taint in wine by comparing the chemical and sensory consequences of post-harvest ozonation (at 1 ppm for 24 h) of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes following grapevine exposure to dense smoke, i.e., ozone treatment of more heavily tainted grapes. Ozonation again yielded significant reductions in the concentration of free and glycosylated volatile phenols—up to 25% and 30%, respectively. However, although the intensities of smoke-related sensory attributes were generally lower in wines made with smoke-exposed grapes that were ozonated (compared to wines made with smoke-exposed grapes that were not ozonated), the results were not statistically significant. This suggests that the efficacy of ozone treatment depends on the extent to which grapes have been tainted by smoke.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Novel use of activated carbon fabric to mitigate smoke taint in grapes and wine
    (Wiley, 2022) Wilkinson, K.L.; Ristic, R.; Szeto, C.; Capone, D.L.; Yu, L.; Losic, D.
    Background and Aims: Grapegrowers and winemakers, around the world, are searching for strategies to mitigate the compositional and sensory consequences of grapevine exposure to smoke from wildfires. This study evaluated the use of activated carbon fabrics as protective coverings to mitigate the uptake of smoke-derived volatile phenols by grapes, and accordingly, the intensity of smoky, ashy characters in wine. Methods and Results: Smoke was applied toMataro grapes, with and without individual bunches being enclosed in bags made fromthree activated carbon fabrics (felt, light cloth and heavy cloth). Winemade fromsmoke-exposed grapes had an elevated concentration of volatile phenols, but the composition ofwinesmade fromgrapes protected by activated carbon fabric was comparable to that of the Control wine; the difference in concentration of guaiacol, o- andm-cresol and/or syringolwas only 1 μg/L. Winemade from smoke-exposed grapes had diminished fruit and prominent smoke characters, whereas the sensory profile of the wines corresponding to activated carbon fabric treatments could not be differentiated from that of the Control wine. Analysis by GC/MS of the activated carbon fabrics following repeated smoke exposure confirmed their adsorption of smoke volatiles. Conclusions: The activated carbon fabrics successfully protected Mataro grapes and wine from being tainted by smoke exposure. Significance of the Study: This study demonstrates a promising new technology for overcoming smoke taint, an issue of major concern for grape and wine producers worldwide.
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    Impact of commercial scale ultrafiltration on the composition of white and rosé wine
    (Elsevier BV, 2022) Sui, Y.; Wollan, D.; McRae, J.; Muhlack, R.; Tuke, J.; Wilkinson, K.
    Ultrafiltration (UF) was performed on six white and ros´e wines, at commercial scale (5400–71,000 L), to remove phenolic compounds associated with astringency. Dynamic UF parameters (permeate flux, transmembrane pressure, temperature) were monitored during filtration, and wine composition compared before and after treatment. Over 90% wine permeation was achieved although flux declined progressively throughout UF and dropped significantly after 80% fractionation. Wine macromolecules, especially phenolics and proteins, were substantially concentrated in retentate, such that the resulting permeate achieved clarification and heat stabilization specifications eliminating the need for fining. Other wine compositional properties (pH, free and total SO2, volatile acidity, and viscosity) were not significantly affected. Membrane fouling resulted in the rejection of small wine constituents (sugars, acids, and low molecular weight phenolics) suggesting complex membrane/ solute interactions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of UF in producing clarified and stabilized permeate, which reduced the negative effects of excess phenolics and proteins in wine.
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    Impact of accentuated cut edges (ACE) technique on volatile and sensory profiles of Shiraz wines
    (Elsevier, 2022) Wang, X.; Capone, D.L.; Kang, W.; Roland, A.; Jeffery, D.W.
    Varietal thiols are important wine aroma compounds that are generally less abundant in red wines. Accentuated cut edges (ACE), known for accelerating phenolic extraction, was applied to Shiraz winemaking and compared with conventional crushing (NOACE) to examine the effects on varietal thiol precursor extraction and thiol formation. Water addition to grape must and skin contact time (SCT) during fermentation were also assessed. Although there was no difference for precursors in the must, ACE significantly decreased 3-S-glutathionylhexan- 1-ol concentration during fermentation. 3-Sulfanylhexan-1-ol and ethyl esters were significantly influenced by crushing method and/or SCT, with NOACE or shorter SCT yielding higher concentrations. Acetates, higher alcohols, fatty acids, and isoprenoids differed according to the interaction of crushing method and SCT, with ACE and shorter SCT significantly enhancing all groups except acetates. Volatiles in Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir wines produced at commercial scale with ACE were briefly evaluated, suggesting an impact of grape variety.
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    Consumer perspectives of wine typicity and impact of region information on the sensory perception of Cabernet Sauvignon wines
    (Elsevier, 2022) Souza Gonzaga, L.; Bastian, S.E.P.; Capone, D.L.; Danner, L.; Jeffery, D.W.
    Region of origin is used in marketing of wine and by consumers as a wine quality indicator. To better understand wine consumers’ purchase decisions, sensory perception, and wine liking in connection with wine provenance, this study used regular wine consumers (n = 112) to evaluate two Cabernet Sauvignon wines from each of four wine producing regions through hedonic rating and rate-all-that-apply (RATA) testing in conjunction with preand post-tasting questionnaires. The majority of consumers rated the region of origin stated on the label as important for purchase intent and for deciding the price they were willing to pay for a wine. The questionnaire also revealed that consumers were familiar with the wine typicity concept, but seemed to consider it only as an extrinsic characteristic rather than an intrinsic aspect of the wine. By randomly dividing the consumers into two groups (n = 56 each), one having information on the origin of samples and the other tasting without such knowledge, it was demonstrated that origin information had a positive impact on hedonic scores. Sensory profiling revealed that origin information did not impact the sample sensory characterisation, and liking for both groups was related to ‘full body’, ‘jammy’, and ‘dark fruits’ attributes. Some regional profile features were apparent for the samples, such as ‘minty’ for Coonawarra and savoury attributes for Bordeaux. Overall, this work highlighted that consumers could differentiate wines from distinct regions on the basis of sensory characteristics.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Spectrofluorometric analysis to trace the molecular fingerprint of wine during the winemaking process and recognise the blending percentage of different varietal wines
    (International Viticulture and Enology Society - IVES, 2022) Ranaweera, R.K.R.; Gilmore, A.M.; Bastian, S.E.P.; Capone, D.; Jeffery, D.
    As a robust analytical method, spectrofluorometric analysis with machine learning modelling has recently been used to authenticate wine from different regions, vintages and varieties. This preliminary study investigated whether the molecular fingerprint obtained with this approach is maintained throughout the winemaking process, along with assessing different percentages of wine in a blend. Monovarietal wine samples were collected at different stages of the winemaking process and analysed with the absorbance-transmission and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (A-TEEM) technique. Wines were clustered tightly according to origin for the different winemaking stages, with some clear separation of different regions and varieties based on principal component analysis. In addition, wines were classified with 100 % accuracy according to varietal origin using extreme gradient boosting (XGB) discriminant analysis. The sensitivity of the A-TEEM technique was such that it allowed for accurate modelling of wine blends containing as little as 1 % of Cabernet-Sauvignon or Grenache in Shiraz wine when employing XGB regression, which performed better than partial least squares regression. The overall results indicated the potential for applying A-TEEM and machine learning modelling to wine chemical traceability through production to guarantee the provenance of wine or identify the composition of a blend.