Polyphenolic Profiling, Browning, and Glutathione Content of Sparkling Wines Produced with Nontraditional Grape Varieties: Indicator of Quality During the Biological Aging

Association between alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease: A prospective cohort study

In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in comprehending the impact of alcohol consumption on adverse health outcomes. However, the quality of evidence remains limited. Our objective was to conduct a prospective study examining the relationship between different types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and identifying the thresholds of safe dose stratified by sex using data from the UK Biobank. 502,490 participants were enrolled. These participants were initially registered between 2006 and 2010, and underwent reassessment between 2012 and 2013. All participants completed a detailed questionnaire on their alcohol consumption, including total alcohol consumption yesterday, weekly consumption of red wine, champagne plus white wine, beer, spirits, and fortified wine. All-cause mortality and the incidence of CVD and CKD were considered as the primary outcomes. 2852 participants reported CKD during a median follow-up period of 11.94 years, while 79,958 participants reported CVD over a median follow-up period of 11.35 years. Additionally, 18,923 participants died over a median follow-up period of 11.89 years. After adjusting for variables such as age, sex, education level, smoking status, diet score, and exercise score, total alcohol consumption showed a U-shaped relationship with the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality, but showed an inverse association with the risk of CKD. Upon further classification of alcoholic beverages, our analysis revealed that red wine, champagne plus white wine, beer, spirits, and fortified wine presented a U-shaped relationship with the risk of all-cause mortality and CKD. However, spirits were positively associated with the risk of CVD, only red wine, champagne plus white wine, beer, and fortified wine showed a U-shaped relationship with the risk of CVD. The safe doses of total alcohol consumption should be < 11 g/d for males and < 10 for females, red wine consumption should be < 7 glasses/week for males and < 6 for females, champagne plus white wine consumption should be < 5 glasses/week, and fortified wine consumption should be < 4 glasses/week. Red wine, champagne plus white wine, beer, and fortified wine below the corresponding thresholds of safe dose in our analysis were significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, CVD, and CKD. And these alcoholic beverages under safe doses exhibited a protective effect against conditions like diabetes, depression, dementia, epilepsy, liver cirrhosis, and other digestive diseases, while didn't increase the risk of cancer.

Non-enzymatic browning of wine induced by monomeric flavan-3-ols: A review

Non-enzymatic browning occurs widely in both white and red wines, and it has a huge impact on the color evolution and aging potential. Previous studies have proved that phenolic compounds, especially those with catechol groups, are the most important substrates involved in browning reactions of wine. This review focus on the current knowledge of non-enzymatic browning in wine resulting from monomeric flavan-3-ols. First, some relevant aspects of monomeric flavan-3-ols are introduced, including their structures, origins, chemical reactivities, as well as potential impacts on the organoleptic properties of wine. Second, the mechanism for non-enzymatic browning induced by monomeric flavan-3-ols is discussed, with an emphasis on the formation of yellow xanthylium derivatives, followed by their spectral properties and effects on the color change of wine. Finally, attentions are also be given to the factors that influence non-enzymatic browning, such as metal ions, light exposure, additives in winemaking, etc.

The Maillard reaction in traditional method sparkling wine

The Maillard reaction between sugars and amino acids, peptides, or proteins generates a myriad of aroma compounds through complex and multi-step reaction pathways. While the Maillard has been primarily studied in the context of thermally processed foods, Maillard-associated products including thiazoles, furans, and pyrazines have been identified in aged sparkling wines, with associated bready, roasted, and caramel aromas. Sparkling wines produced in the bottle-fermented traditional method (Méthode Champenoise) have been the primary focus of studies related to Maillard-associated compounds in sparkling wine, and these wines undergo two sequential fermentations, with the second taking place in the final wine bottle. Due to the low temperature (15 ± 3°C) and low pH (pH 3-4) conditions during production and aging, we conclude that Maillard interactions may not proceed past intermediate stages. Physicochemical factors that affect the Maillard reaction are considered in the context of sparkling wine, particularly related to pH-dependent reaction pathways and existing literature pertaining to low temperature and/or low pH Maillard activity. A focus on the origins and composition of precursor species (amino acids and sugars) in sparkling wines is presented, as well as the potential role of metal ions in accelerating the Maillard reaction. Understanding the contributions of individual physicochemical factors to the Maillard reaction in sparkling wine enables a clearer understanding of reaction pathways and sensory outcomes. Advancements in analytical techniques for monitoring the Maillard reaction are also described, and important areas of future research on this topic are identified.

Effect of the cold pre-fermentative maceration and aging on lees times on the phenolic compound profile, antioxidant capacity and color of red sparkling wines

This was the first study evaluating the impact of cold pre-fermentative maceration using refrigeration on the nutraceutical quality and color of red sparkling wines elaborated with the cultivar Syrah, and the evolution of these variables with different autolysis times. The sparkling wines were elaborated using the traditional method with different maceration times (NM, 24 and 72 h) and aging on lees (3 and 18 months of autolysis). In the sequence, it was conducted the characterization of the phenolic compound profile by HPLC–DAD (n = 21), the antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays), and the color (CIELab and CIEL*C*h systems). The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AOX) were higher with longer maceration (M72) and autolysis (18 months) times, reaching 453.54 mg L⁻¹ of TPC, and AOX above 2.11 mmol TEAC L⁻¹ by the three in vitro assays conducted. Cis-resveratrol, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-β-d-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, and petunidin-3-O-glucoside showed a good correlation (r > 0.8; P < 0.05) with the antioxidant capacity and were found in higher concentrations in the sparkling wines elaborated with maceration. In addition, maceration promoted a more intense red (a*) and saturated (C*) color. Thus, the results indicated that cold pre-fermentative maceration and autolysis positively influenced the bioactive potential and the color of the red sparkling wines. This practice should be better explored through the elaboration of this product.

Determination of the Content of Phenolic Compounds and the Changes of Polyphenol Oxidase and Each Index during Browning of Phyllanthus emblica at Different Storage Temperatures

In order to further study the early browning of P. emblica marker and mechanism, it is necessary for us to measure the changes in the content of some substances to find quality markers during the browning process of P. emblica. So, we simulated the storage conditions under different temperatures, including 5°C, 25°C, and 35°C. And, the contents of some of its phenolic compounds were determined by RP-HPLC. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was determined by PPO reagent kits, and pH was determined with a pH measuring instrument, etc. The experimental results showed that 1-galloyl-glucose was the smoothest at 5°C among the three storage temperature conditions. It fluctuates and decreases in a curve at 35°C and 25°C. The content changes of gallic acid (GA) fluctuated more obviously at 35°C, and it showed a maximum value on the 7th day. The content changes of 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (TGG) all showed a peak on the 5th day and then showed a gradual decrease. The content changes of ellagic acid (EA) fluctuated more at 35°C. The peak of the content of rutin at both 35°C and 25°C appeared on the 3rd day, and that showed a gradually decreasing trend. The PPO activity varied more significantly at 25°C and 35°C. The browning index increased with time at both 35°C and 25°C. The complete browning of P. emblica was already observed on the 13th day. Tips for experimental results 5°C are effective in preventing browning of P. emblica. The contents of TGG, 1-galloyl-glucose, and rutin in P. emblica are greatly affected by temperature and time, and its contents had a linear relationship with time and temperature and can be used as one of the indicators of early browning, which provides a reference for the storage and transportation of fresh fruit in Chinese herbals.

Wine Faults: State of Knowledge in Reductive Aromas, Oxidation and Atypical Aging, Prevention, and Correction Methods

The review summarizes the latest scientific findings and recommendations for the prevention of three very common wine faults of non-microbial origin. The first group, presented by the reductive aromas, is caused mainly by excessive H₂S and other volatile sulfur compounds with a negative impact on wine quality. The most efficient prevention of undesirable reductive aromas in wine lies in creating optimal conditions for yeast and controlling the chemistry of sulfur compounds, and the pros and cons of correction methods are discussed. The second is browning which is associated especially with the enzymatic and non-enzymatic reaction of polyphenols and the prevention of this fault is connected with decreasing the polyphenol content in must, lowering oxygen access during handling, the use of antioxidants, and correction stands for the use of fining agents. The third fault, atypical aging, mostly occurs in the agrotechnics of the entire green land cover in the vineyard and the associated stress from lack of nutrients and moisture. Typical fox tones, naphthalene, or wet towel off-odors, especially in white wines are possible to prevent by proper moisture and grassland cover and alternating greenery combined with harmonious nutrition, while the correction is possible only partially with an application of fresh yeast. With the current knowledge, the mistakes in wines of non-microbial origin can be reliably prevented. Prevention is essential because corrective solutions for the faults are difficult and never perfect.

Browning Development and Antioxidant Compounds in White Wines after Selenium, Iron, and Peroxide Addition

The effect of oxidation on the organoleptic properties of white wines mostly involves increased browning color, loss of the fruity aromas, and appearance of unpleasant odors. Browning, however, is known to be related with polyphenol oxidation and therefore it may be delayed by the presence of antioxidants such as selenium (Se) and SO2. On the other hand, the presence of oxidants such as metal ions and H2O2 can accelerate browning and oxidation phenomena. The browning capacity, the phenolic composition (both total and individual contents of flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids), the antioxidant activity, and the SO2 content of Assyrtiko white wines were studied after the addition of Fe2+ and H2O2 and Se at two temperatures, employing an accelerated test. Browning was approached from a kinetic point of view, and the study was focused on the implication of oxidants and antioxidants on browning rate, paying particular attention to the content of major redox-active polyphenols, including substances with an o-diphenol feature, such as flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids. The results showed that after the addition of oxidants it was possible to significantly accelerate the rate of browning development (up to 4.7 and six times) depending on the temperature and the concentration of the added compounds. The presence of Se protected wine color and preserved total SO2 at 35 °C, while at 50 °C, these effects were not observed. Total flavanol content decreased upon heating, while total hydroxycinnamic content showed a slight increase. Similarly, the content of the individual phenolic compounds (with the exception of caffeic acid and (+)-catechin at 35 °C) was decreased with oxidant addition, while Se addition was not adequate to prevent or even promote their oxidation.

Differential Protein Expression in Berry Skin from Red Grapes with Varying Hybrid Character

Protein expression from the berry skin of four red grape biotypes with varying hybrid character was compared at a proteome-wide level to identify the metabolic pathways underlying divergent patterns of secondary metabolites. A bottom-up shotgun proteomics approach with label-free quantification and MaxQuant-assisted computational analysis was applied. Red grapes were from (i) purebred Vitis vinifera (Aglianico cv.); (ii) V. vinifera (local Sciascinoso cv.) grafted onto an American rootstock; (iii) interspecific hybrid (V. vinifera × V. labrusca, Isabel), and (iv) uncharacterized grape genotype with hybrid lineage, producing relatively abundant anthocyanidin 3,5-O-diglucosides. Proteomics supported the differences between hybrids and purebred V. vinifera grapes, consistently with distinct phenotypic metabolite assets. Methanol O-anthraniloyltransferase, which catalyses the synthesis of methyl anthranilate, primarily responsible for the “foxy” odour, was exclusive of the Isabel hybrid grape. Most of the proteins with different expression profiles converged into coordinated biosynthetic networks of primary metabolism, while many possible enzymes of secondary metabolism pathways, including 5-glucosyltransferases expected for hybrid grapes, remained unassigned due to incomplete protein annotation for the Vitis genus. Minor differences of protein expression distinguished V. vinifera scion grafted onto American rootstocks from purebred V. vinifera skin grapes, supporting a slight influence of the rootstock on the grape metabolism.

Non-Conventional Grape Varieties and Yeast Starters for First and Second Fermentation in Sparkling Wine Production Using the Traditional Method

Sparkling wine production using the traditional method involves a second fermentation of still wines in bottles, followed by prolonged aging on lees. The key factors affecting the organoleptic profiles of these wines are the grape varieties, the chemical and sensory attributes of the base wines elaborated, the yeast strains used for first and second fermentation, and the winery practices. While Chardonnay and Pinot noir are gold standard grape varieties in sparkling wine production, other valuable grape cultivars are used worldwide to elaborate highly reputable sparkling wines. Fundamental research on the chemical and sensory profiles of innovative sparkling wines produced by the traditional method, using non-conventional grape varieties and novel yeast strains for first and/or second fermentation, is accompanying their market diversification. In this review, we summarize relevant aspects of sparkling wine production using the traditional method and non-conventional grape varieties and yeast starters.

Changes in the Antioxidative Activity and the Content of Phenolics and Iridoids during Fermentation and Aging of Natural Fruit Meads

The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the content of biologically active compounds during the fermentation and aging of natural meads with the addition of three Cornelian cherry juices from three cultivars: 'Koralovyi', 'Podolski' and 'Yantarnyi', in the amount of 10% v/v. After the fermentation process the content of gallic and ellagic acids significantly increased, in relation to wort. Whereas the greatest losses were observed among unstable anthocyanins. The three-month aging process also reduced the content of the analyzed compounds except for ellagic acid, the content of which increased by up to 90%. The content of biologically active compounds, including iridoids and antioxidant phenolics, are constantly changing in the process of fermentation and aging of fruit meads. The studies proved that the addition of Cornelian cherry juice allows significantly enriched classic meads with new biologically active compounds, such as: exceptional iridoids (loganic acid, cornuside, loganine, sweroside), flavonols, phenolic acids and anthocyanins.