Doctoral Degrees (Viticulture and Oenology)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Viticulture and Oenology) by Author "Coetzee, Carien"

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    Oxidation treatments affecting Sauvignon blanc wine sensory and chemical composition
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Coetzee, Carien; Du Toit, Wessel J.; Ferreira, Antonio Cesar Silva; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study focussed on the effect of oxygen on the chemical and sensory evolution of Sauvignon blanc wine under controlled oxidation conditions. The sensorial interactive effects between Sauvignon blanc varietal aroma compounds and compounds that typically arise during oxidation of white wines were also investigated. In the first research chapter the sensorial interactive effects of Sauvignon blanc impact compounds with aldehydes typically originating from oxidation of white wines were investigated. Four compounds, 3‐ mercaptohexan‐1‐ol (3MH), 3‐isobutyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine (IBMP), 3‐(methylthio)‐propionaldehyde (methional) and phenylacetaldehyde were added together in a model wine medium at varying concentrations. The concentrations chosen were according to those reported in literature to occur in Sauvignon blanc wines. The sensory effects of these compounds were profiled using a trained sensory panel. Compounds were first profiled individually and results showed that the change in comcpound concentration not only led to a change in intensity ratings but also in some cases a change in the descriptor. All four compounds in the same sample showed complicated interactive effects. Data were statistically analysed using relatively novel techniques such as statistical networks that allowed deeper insights into the interactions involved. Various observations were made such as the contribution of 3MH to the ‘green’ character of the wine, the potent suppressing abilities of methional on 3MH and IBMP and the additive effect of methional and IBMP contributing to the ‘cooked’ character of the sample. In the second research chapter the effect of repetitive oxidation on a fresh and fruity style Sauvignon blanc wine was investigated. Results showed the progress and evolution of aromatic and non‐aromatic compounds during an oxidative aging period. A large range of chemical analyses were conducted together with extensive sensory profiling. Results showed a decrease in volatile thiols responsible for the fruity nuances and an increase in oxidation‐related compounds, such as acetaldehyde, during the course of the oxidation. Sensory profiling showed the evolution of the wine aroma during oxidation. The wine evolved from a fresh and fruity wine to slight oxidation and then developed extreme oxidative characteristics. The Control samples (no oxygen added) developed a ‘cooked’ character which could indicate the formation of reductive compounds in these wines. Conversely, the wines that received a single dose of oxygen did not develop this flavour and were perceived to be more fresh and fruity than the Control samples. The evolution of the wine colour was also monitored using a spectrophotometer as well as a sensory panel and results suggest that the colour of the wine evolved before the disappearance of the pleasant aroma. The advantages and disadvantages of oxygen exposure to this type of wine style are discussed as well as the complexity of the wine matrix and sensory interactions occurring in the specific wine. The aim of the third research chapter was again to investigate further sensory interactions between Sauvignon blanc varietal aroma compounds and an oxidation‐related compound. After the observations reported in the second research chapter, the inclusion of acetaldehyde in an interaction study seemed to be of critical importance. Acetaldehyde can reach significant concentrations during oxidation and can have a detrimental effect on wine aroma. This interaction study included three compounds, 3MH, IBMP and acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde was able to effectively mask the ‘green’ character of the sample, while it also enhanced certain fruity nuances when present at specific concentrations. 3MH was able to suppress the oxidising character of acetaldehyde when present at sufficient concentrations. The results from this study clearly showed the complexity of the wine medium and the interactions involved. It also highlighted the importance of performing these types of sensory studies in a simple medium opposed to a complex matrix such as wine. The effect of oxygen on various aspects of the wine was investigated and the combination of chemical and sensory data delivered some interesting conclusions also involving interactions that occurred. This study paved the way for future investigations on the sensory relationships of Sauvignon blanc aroma compounds and the role of proper oxygen management in the production of quality wines.