Contribution of terpenes, methanethiol, and fermentative esters to sparkling wine aroma in relation to production technology, vintage, and aging: a case study on Durello wines

BACKGROUNDThe present study aimed to assess the chemical and sensory variability existing across sparkling white wines of a single appellation in relation to production technique and aging, identifying the existence of specific aroma chemical and sensory (odor) signatures. For this purpose, we selected Durello, an emerging sparkling white wine from the Veneto region produced using either Charmat or Classico methods. RESULTSComparison of Durello varietal volatiles profile with other Italian sparkling and still wines highlighted specific features of Durello, such as high content of 1,4-cineole and non-megastigmane norisoprenoids. The production technique (Charmat or Champenoise) impacted both the volatile chemical profile, influencing the content of esters, fatty acids, cyclic terpenoids, C-6 alcohols, beta-damascenone and methanethiol. With regard to wine age and vintage, an influence on esters, p-menthane-1,8-diol, cineoles and methyl salicylate was observed. CONCLUSIONSensory evaluation by means of a sorting task approach indicated the existence of two main types of odor profile, one clearly associated with Classico method. The main drivers of such aroma diversity were esters, 1,4-cineole and methanethiol. (c) 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.