Changes in RNA catabolites of sparkling wines during the biological aging

Comparison of volatile compounds during biological ageing and commercial storage of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine): The role of lees

Cava is a sparkling wine produced using a traditional method that must be aged in contact with lees for a minimum period of nine months. The contact between wine and lees improves the quality of the final product, and aroma is one of the most important qualitative parameters of a wine. The aim of the work was to study the role of lees in the ageing of Spanish sparkling wine (Cava), by sampling at industrial scale the bottles, from 9 to 30 months of ageing, jointly with the winery and in real time. The volatile profile of Cava during biological ageing and commercial storage, after disgorging, was evaluated by Headspace-Solid Phase Microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. More than 60 compounds were identified from several chemical classes including esters, alcohols, terpenes, furans, norisoprenoids, and fatty acids. A reduction in volatile components was observed when the disgorging step took place. When the behaviour of aroma over time was assessed, the principal factor that discriminated between samples was the type of ageing i.e. with or without lees. Evaluation of volatiles over time revealed that furans showed a significant relationship with ageing, indicating that some components of this family could be possible markers of ageing.

Revalorization of Cava (Spanish Sparkling Wine) Lees on Sourdough Fermentation

Cava lees are a sparkling wine by-product formed of dead microorganisms, tartaric acid and other inorganic compounds, with a potential for enhancing microbial growth. Lees are rich in antioxidant compounds as well as β-glucans and mannoproteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of cava lees (0–2% w/w) on the microbiota (LAB and yeasts) responsible for sourdough fermentation (8 days) to revalorize this by-product of the wine industry. The results showed that 2% cava lees promoted microbial growth and survival in both wheat and rye sourdoughs, except for yeast growth in rye, which stopped at day 3 of fermentation. Moreover, sourdough with lees achieved lower pH values as well as higher concentrations of organic acids, especially lactic and acetic acids (p < 0.05). To sum up, the use of cava lees in sourdough formulation promotes the growth and survival of microorganisms, which, in consequence, promotes a lower pH and greater amounts of organic acids. This could lead to microbial stability as well as changes in bread flavor.

Occurrence of ethyl carbamate in three types of Chinese wines and its possible reasons

A total of 75 wines including 30 white wines, 31 red wines, and 14 sparkling wines were obtained from several regions in China (Sinkiang, Tonghua, Huailai, Yantai, Changli, Shanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia). Ethyl carbamate (EC) was detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The EC concentration ranged from less than 1.16 to 38.56 μg/L, and the concentrations in 17 wines exceeded the U.S. limit for table wines (15 μg/L). The concentrations of EC increased in the order of white, red, and sparkling wines with the corresponding mean concentrations of 6.12, 9.22, and 14.03 μg/L. The relationship between EC concentration and wine type suggested that EC concentrations in wines might be affected by vinification patterns, most likely due to the difference between EC precursors in different vinification processes. This work provides a novel clue for EC contamination in different wines.

Effect of production phase on bottle-fermented sparkling wine quality

This review analyzes bottle-fermented sparkling wine research at each stage of production by evaluating existing knowledge to identify areas that require future investigation. With the growing importance of enological investigation being focused on the needs of the wine production industry, this review examines current research at each stage of bottle-fermented sparkling wine production. Production phases analyzed in this review include pressing, juice adjustments, malolactic fermentation (MLF), stabilization, clarification, tirage, lees aging, disgorging, and dosage. The aim of this review is to identify enological factors that affect bottle-fermented sparkling wine quality, predominantly aroma, flavor, and foaming quality. Future research topics identified include regional specific varieties, plant-based products from vines, grapes, and yeast that can be used in sparkling wine production, gushing at disgorging, and methods to increase the rate of yeast autolysis. An internationally accepted sensory analysis method specifically designed for sparkling wine is required.