Sensing free sulfur dioxide in wine.

Sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) is important in the winemaking process as it aids in preventing microbial growth and the oxidation of wine. These processes and others consume the SO(2) over time, resulting in wines with little SO(2) protection. Furthermore, SO(2) and sulfiting agents are known to be allergens to many individuals and for that reason their levels need to be monitored and regulated in final wine products.

Hydroxycinnamic acid ethyl esters as precursors to ethylphenols in wine.

A method for determining ethyl coumarate and ethyl ferulate in wine using GC-MS with deuterium-labeled analogues has been developed and used to measure the evolution of these two esters during the production of two commercial monovarietal red wines, cv. Grenache and Shiraz. During fermentation, the concentration of ethyl coumarate rose from low levels to 0.

Microwave-assistance provides very rapid and efficient extraction of grape seed polyphenols.

A microwave assisted extraction (MAE) method has been developed for the extraction of polyphenols from grape seeds of Vitis vinifera cultivars Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. An initial five-factor (ethanol concentration in the extraction solvent, liquid:solid ratio, time, power and temperature), five-level orthogonal experimental array was designed and three factors (ethanol concentration in the extraction solvent, liquid:solid ratio and time) plus their best levels were chosen to optimise the extraction using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) experiment. This revealed, after the use of response surface methodology, that the optimal extraction conditions were ethanol concentration (47.

Occurrence, sensory impact, formation, and fate of damascenone in grapes, wines, and other foods and beverages.

Among plant-derived odorants, damascenone is one of the most ubiquitous, sometimes occurring as an apparent natural product but more commonly occurring in processed foodstuffs and beverages. It has been widely reported as a component of alcoholic beverages, particularly of wines made from the grape Vitis vinifera . Although damascenone has one of the lowest ortho- and retronasal detection thresholds of any odorant, its contribution to the sensory properties of most products remains poorly understood.

Formation of Damascenone under both commercial and model fermentation conditions.

The fermentations, at a commercial winery, of six different grape musts encompassing the varieties Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Shiraz, Grenache, and Pinot noir were monitored for damascenone concentration. In every case, the concentration of damascenone increased during fermentation from low or undetectable levels to concentrations of several parts per billion. Further increases in damascenone concentration were observed during barrel aging of three of these wines.

Evolution and occurrence of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) in Australian wine.

A new method has been developed for the quantitation of 1,8-cineole in red and white wines using headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An extensive survey of Australian wines (44 white and 146 red) highlighted that only red wines contained significant amounts of 1,8-cineole (up to 20 μg/L). Hydrolytic studies with limonene and α-terpineol, putative precursors to 1,8-cineole, showed a very low conversion into 1,8-cineole (< 0.

The formation of wine lactone from grape-derived secondary metabolites.

Wine lactone (i.e., 3a,4,5,7a-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran-2(3H)-one, 1a/1b) was formed hydrolytically at wine pH from both racemic (E)-2,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxyocta-2,7-dienoic acid (3) and the corresponding glucose ester 2a at 45 °C but at room temperature was only formed from the acid 3.

Synthesis of wine thiol conjugates and labeled analogues: fermentation of the glutathione conjugate of 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol yields the corresponding cysteine conjugate and free thiol.

Synthesis of the putative wine thiol precursor 3-S-glutathionylhexan-1-ol (Glut-3-MH) has been undertaken to provide pure reference materials for the development of HPLC-MS/MS methods for precursor quantitation in grape juice and wine, and for use in fermentation experiments. Labeled thiol conjugates were also prepared for use as internal standards. Purification and fermentation of a single diastereomer of Glut-3-MH with VIN13 (CSL1) yielded not only the (R)-enantiomer of the wine impact odorant 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3-MH) but also the cysteine conjugate intermediate as a single (R)-diastereomer, as determined by HPLC-MS/MS.

Odor detection thresholds and enantiomeric distributions of several 4-alkyl substituted gamma-lactones in Australian red wine.

The individual enantiomers of gamma-octalactone (1), gamma-nonalactone (2), gamma-decalactone (3) and gamma-dodecalactone (4) have been synthesized. The (R) series of enantiomers was prepared from L-glutamic acid by a strategy involving deamination and reduction to (S)-5-oxo-2-tetrahydrofurancarboxaldehyde (S)-7. The different length side chains were introduced by a series of Wittig reactions, varying in the choice of phosphorane used.

Quantification of several 4-alkyl substituted gamma-lactones in Australian wines.

Stable isotope dilution assays have been developed for gamma-octalactone (1), gamma-nonalactone (2), gamma-decalactone (3) and gamma-dodecalactone (4) in both white and red wines for the first time. (2)H(7)-analogues of each lactone were prepared for use as internal standards via a strategy employing ring-opening, esterification and oxidation of the respective starting lactones. The methods were shown to be highly accurate and reproducible (R(2) > or = 0.

First identification of 4-S-glutathionyl-4-methylpentan-2-one, a potential precursor of 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one, in Sauvignon Blanc juice.

The identification of 4-S-glutathionyl-4-methylpentan-2-one (glut-4-MMP) by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) experiments in a Sauvignon Blanc juice extract is described. Synthesis of an authentic reference compound enabled confirmation of the presence of glut-4-MMP in a Sauvignon Blanc juice for the first time. The juice extract was obtained by batch-wise percolation of 6 L of juice through a sintered glass funnel packed with C18 sorbent, followed by further purification using low-pressure chromatography on C18.

Quantitative analysis of beta-d-glucopyranoside of 3-methyl-4-hydroxyoctanoic acid, a potential precursor to cis-oak lactone, in oak extracts using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry based stable isotope dilution analysis.

The beta-D-glucopyranoside of 3-methyl-4-hydroxyoctanoic acid (glucoside), exists in oak wood and is a potential precursor to cis-oak lactone. A method for the quantification of the glucoside in extracts of oak wood using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed. The [(2)H(4)]-labeled analogue of the glucoside was synthesized and used as internal standard for the method which was subsequently applied to the analysis of extracts of both American and French oak woods.

Rationalizing the formation of damascenone: synthesis and hydrolysis of damascenone precursors and their analogues, in both aglycone and glycoconjugate forms.

Storage of megastigma-4,6,7-trien-3,9-diol (5), and megastigma-3,4-dien-7-yn-9-ol (6) in aqueous ethanol solution at pH 3.0 and 3.2 gave exclusively damascenone (1) and damascenone adducts at room temperature.

Determination of rotundone, the pepper aroma impact compound, in grapes and wine.

Shiraz, also known as Syrah or Hermitage, is one of Australia's most popular red wine varieties both domestically and internationally. Black pepper aroma and flavor are important to some Australian Shiraz red wine styles. Recently, rotundone (a bicyclic sesquiterpene) was identified as the potent aroma compound responsible for pepper aromas in grapes, wine, herbs, and spices, including peppercorns.

From wine to pepper: rotundone, an obscure sesquiterpene, is a potent spicy aroma compound.

An obscure sesquiterpene, rotundone, has been identified as a hitherto unrecognized important aroma impact compound with a strong spicy, peppercorn aroma. Excellent correlations were observed between the concentration of rotundone and the mean 'black pepper' aroma intensity rated by sensory panels for both grape and wine samples, indicating that rotundone is a major contributor to peppery characters in Shiraz grapes and wine (and to a lesser extent in wine of other varieties). Approximately 80% of a sensory panel were very sensitive to the aroma of rotundone (aroma detection threshold levels of 16 ng/L in red wine and 8 ng/L in water).

Synthesis of the individual diastereomers of the cysteine conjugate of 3-mercaptohexanol (3-MH).

The individual diastereoisomers of the cysteine conjugate of 3-mercaptohexanol (4) were synthesized with high isomeric purity (>98%). On treatment with Apotryptophanase enzyme, the 3R diastereoisomer of 4 gave an 82% yield of the R enantiomer of 1, with no trace of the 3S enantiomer present. Conversely, the 3S diastereoisomer of 4 gave the 3S enantiomer of 1 (43%) accompanied by a trace of the 3R form (S/R = 98.

Identification of natural oak lactone precursors in extracts of american and French oak woods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A method for the screening of potential natural oak lactone precursors in oak wood extracts using LC-MS/MS combined with information-dependent acquisition was developed. The method was applied to extracts of American and French oak woods. As a result, cis-3-methyl-4-galloyloxyoctanoic acid (ring-opened cis-oak lactone gallate), (3S,4S)- and (3S,4R)-3-methyl-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyloctanoic acid (ring-opened cis- and trans-oak lactone glucoside), and (3S,4S)-3-methyl-4-O-(6'-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyloctanoic acid (ring-opened cis-oak lactone galloylglucoside) were identified as natural oak lactone precursors in the extracts by comparison with the respective synthetic reference compounds.

Engineering volatile thiol release in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for improved wine aroma.

Volatile thiols, such as 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one (4MMP), 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA), are among the most potent aroma compounds found in wine and can have a significant effect on wine quality and consumer preferences. At optimal concentrations in wine, these compounds impart flavours of passionfruit, grapefruit, gooseberry, blackcurrant, lychee, guava and box hedge. The enzymatic release of aromatic thiols from grape-derived, non-volatile cysteinylated precursors (Cys-4MMP and Cys-3MH) and the further modification thereof (conversion of 3MH into 3MHA) during fermentation, enhance the varietal characters of wines such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Utilization of a 1,2-dioxine for the synthesis of the four possible stereoisomers of oak lactone.

[reaction: see text]. The natural products cis- and trans-oak lactone (1) have been prepared, along with their enantiomeric counterparts, from furanone 12, which was itself prepared from racemic 1,2-dioxine 9 and a chiral malonate diester. The key steps in the synthesis of 1 are the use of the malonate diester as a chromatographic resolving agent and the decarboxylation of 13, which can be directed to give either the cis- or trans-product.

Genetic determinants of volatile-thiol release by Saccharomyces cerevisiae during wine fermentation.

Volatile thiols, particularly 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one (4MMP), make an important contribution to the aroma of wine. During wine fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae mediates the cleavage of a nonvolatile cysteinylated precursor in grape juice (Cys-4MMP) to release the volatile thiol 4MMP. Carbon-sulfur lyases are anticipated to be involved in this reaction.

Generation of (E)-1-(2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)buta-1,3-diene from C13-norisoprenoid precursors.

Three C(13)-norisoprenoid compounds, 3,6,9-trihydroxymegastigma-4,7-diene (6), 3,4,9-trihydroxymegastigma-5,7-diene (4), and the actinidols (8), have all been synthesized and subjected to acid hydrolysis. All three were shown to generate (E)-1-(2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)buta-1,3-diene (1) under wine conservation conditions. At 45 degrees C, approximately 4000-5000 ng/L of 1 was formed from 1.

Precursors to damascenone: synthesis and hydrolysis of isomeric 3,9-dihydroxymegastigma-4,6,7-trienes.

A series of four isomeric 3,9-dihydroxymegastigma-4,6,7-trienes, 8, has been prepared. The (3S,6R,9S) isomer of 8 proved to be identical to an isomer of this compound tentatively identified as an intermediate in the formation of damascenone from an allene triol. Each of the four isomers, when hydrolyzed independently of each other at pH 3.

Quantitative analysis, occurrence, and stability of (E)-1-(2,3,6-Trimethylphenyl)buta-1,3-diene in wine.

A stable isotope dilution assay has been developed for quantification of (E)-1-(2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)buta-1,3-diene (4) in wine using a [(2)H(6)]-analogue. Using this method, 4 was found in 96 out of 97 white wines, but in none of 12 red wines analyzed. 4 was found to be most prevalent in Semillon wines, followed by Chardonnay, with Riesling showing the least amount of 4 among these three varieties.

Fate of damascenone in wine: the role of SO2.

Damascenone has been shown to undergo reaction with common wine components. Following the action of acid and heat alone, two bicyclic compounds, 4,9,9-trimethyl-8-methylenebicyclo[3.3.

Variation in 4-mercapto-4-methyl-pentan-2-one release by Saccharomyces cerevisiae commercial wine strains.

The volatile thiol 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one (4MMP) is a potent contributor to wine aroma. In grape juice, 4MMP is bound to cysteine as a non-volatile compound and requires the action of yeast during fermentation to release the aroma active thiol. A method was developed to measure 4MMP release from the precursor by headspace solid-phase microextraction and separation by gas chromatography with atomic emission detection to screen the ability of wine yeast to release 4MMP.