The Effect of Grape Temperature on the Sensory Perception of Méthode Cap Classique Wines

  • M. Mafata Stellenbosch University
  • A. Buica Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa Institute for Grape and Wine Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
  • W. du Toit Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
  • V. Panzeri Institute for Grape and Wine Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
  • F.P. van Jaarsveld Post-Harvest & Wine Technology, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa

Abstract

The production process of South African bottle-fermented sparkling wine, the Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), follows the traditional French method (méthode champenoise), although each cellar has its own unique additions to the method. South African winemakers use different techniques and blends to achieve their award-winning MCCs, but there have not been many scientific investigations of the science behind these wines. This project is one of the first scientific studies on MCC. MCC wines were made using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes harvested over two vintages (2014 and 2015) from two regions (Robertson and Darling) and stored at 0°C, 10°C, 25°C and 30°C before processing. The study was aimed at investigating the effect of grape storage temperature on the sensory characteristics of MCCs. The aroma and taste of the final nine-month old MCCs were evaluated, with each region analysed separately. The study showed a grouping of the MCCs according to temperature treatments for both vintages. There were
vintage differences in terms of the attributes cited and the frequency of citations. Based on the frequency of citation, the MCCs made 2014 from grapes stored at 0°C and 10°C were described by the judges as having a fruity, fresh and crisp aroma, whilst those made from grapes stored at 25°C and 30°C were described as having oxidised fruit, volatile acidity and solvent-like aromas. The judges perceived less oxidation and volatile acidity (VA) (in terms of the frequency of citation) in the aroma of the 2015 MCCs, although treatments at higher temperatures were still associated with less desirable attributes compared to treatments at lower temperature. This study shown that the temperature of the grape at the time of
processing has a significant effect on the aroma of MCCs aged nine months, and not so much of an effect on the taste.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

M. Mafata, Stellenbosch University
Department of Viticulture and Oenology, PhD candidate

References

Anderson, M.M., Smith, R.J., Williams, M.A. & Wolpert, J.A., 2008. Viticultural evaluation of French and CaliforniaPinot Noir clones grown for production of sparkling wine. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 59, 188-193.

Buxaderas, S. & López-Tamames, E., 2010. Managing the quality of sparkling wine. In: Managing Wine Quality, Vol. 2: Viticulture and Wine Quality, Reynolds, A. (ed). Woodhead Food Series, Canada, pp. 553−588.

Charpentier, C., Aussenac, J., Charpentier, M., Prome, J.C., Duteurtre, B. & Feuillat, M., 2005. Release of nucleotides and nucleosides during yeast autolysis: Kinetics and potential impact on flavor. J. Agr.Food Chem. 53, 3000–3007.

Chollet, S., Lelièvre, M., Abdi, H. & Valentin, D., 2011. Sort and beer: Everything you wanted to know about the sorting task but did not dare to ask. Food Qual. Prefer. 22, 507–520.

Chollet, S., Valentin, D. & Abdi, H., 2014. Free sorting task. In: Novel Techniques in Sensory Characterization and Consumer Profiling. Valera P. & Ares, G. (Eds.). Boca Raton: Taylor and Francis pp. 207-227.

De la Presa-Owens, C., Schlich, P., Davies, H.D. & Noble, A.C., 1998. Effect of methode champenoise process on the aroma of four V. vinifera varieties. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 49, 289.

Feuillat, M. & Charpentier, C., 1982. Autolysis of yeasts in champagne. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 33, 6–13.

Fornairon-Bonnefond, C., Camarasa, C., Moutounet, M. & Salmon, J. M., 2002. New trends on yeast autolysis and wine aging on lees: A bibliographic review. J. Int. Sci. Vigne Vin. 36, 49–69.

Francioli, S., Torrens, J., Riu-Aumatell, M., López-Tamames, E. & Buxaderas, S., 2003. Volatile Compounds by SPME-GC as Age Markers of Sparkling Wines. Am J. Enol. Vitic. 54 (3), 158–162.

Hidalgo, P., Pueyo, E., Pozo-Bayón, M.A., Martínez-Rodríguez, A.J., Martín-Alvarez, P. & Polo, M.C., 2004. Sensory and analytical study of rosé sparkling wines manufactured by second fermentation in the bottle. J. Agric. Food Chem. 52, 6640–6645.

Hood White, M.R. & Heymann, H., 2015. Assessing the Sensory Profiles of Sparkling Wine over Time. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 66 (2), 156–163.

Marais, J. (2001). Effect of grape temperature and yeast strain on Sauvignon blanc wine aroma composition and quality. S. Afri. J. Enol. Vitic. 22(1), 47-50.

Martínez-Lapuente, L., Guadalupe, Z., Ayestarán, B., Ortega-Heras, M. & Pérez-Magariño, S., 2013. Sparkling Wines from Alternative Red and White Varieties. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 64:1, 39–49.

Martínez-Rodríguez, A.J., Carrascosa, A.V. & Polo, M.C., 2001. Release of nitrogen compounds to the extracellular medium by three strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during induced autolysis in a model wine system. Int. J. Food Microbiol. 68, 155–160.

Martínez-Rodríguez, A.J., Carrascosa, A.V., Martín-Àlvarez, P.J., Moreno-Arribas, M.V. & Polo, M.C., 2002. Influence of the yeast strain on the changes of the amino acids, peptides and proteins during sparkling wine production by the traditional method. J. Ind. Microbiol. Biot. 29, 314–322.

Martínez-Rodríguez, A.J., & Pueyo, E., 2009. Sparkling wines and yeast autolysis. In: Wine Chemistry and Biochemistry. Moreno-Arribas, M. V. & Polo, M. C. (Eds.). Springer, New York. pp. 61–80.

Newton, S., 2010. Sparkling Wine: The Growth of this Category of Wine in South Africa. Thesis, Cape Wine Academy, P.O. Box, 425, Stellenbosch, 7599.

International Code of Oenological practices (OIV): Sparkling wines, 2016. www.oiv.int/en/technical-standards-and-documents/oenological-practices/oenological-practices-sparkling-wines (Last accessed 18February 2017).

Pérez-Magarino, S., Ortega-Heras, M., Martínez-Lapuente, L., Guadalupe, Z. & Ayestarán, B., 2013. Multivariate analysis for the differentiation of sparkling wines elaborated from autochthonous Spanish grape varieties: volatile compounds, amino acids and biogenic amines. Eur. Food Res. Technol. 236, 827–841.

Polidori, G., Jeandet, P. & Liger-Belair, G., 2009. Bubbles and flow patterns in Champagne. Am. Scientist. 97, 294–296.

Pueyo, E., Martin-Alvarez, P.J. & Polo, M.C., 1995. Relationship between foam characteristics and chemical composition in wines and cavas (sparkling wines). Am. J. Enol. Viticult. 46 (4), 518–524.

Reynolds, A., Cliff, M., Girard, B., & Kopp, T.G. 2001. Influence of fermentation temperature on composition and sensory properties of Semillon and Shiraz wines. Am. J. Enol. Viticult. 52 (3), 235-240.

Silva Ferreira, A.C., Oliveira, C., Hogg, T. & Guedes de Pinho, P., 2003. Relationship between potentiometric measurements, sensorial analysis, and some substances responsible for aroma degradation of white wines. J. Agric. Food Chem. 51, 4668-4672.

Torrens, J., Riu-Aumatell, M., Vichi, S., López-Tamames, E. & Buxaderas, S., 2010. Assessment of Volatile and Sensory Profiles between Base and Sparkling Wines. J. Agric. Food Chem. 58, 2455.

Vannier, A., Brun, O.X. & Feinberg, M.H., 1999. Application of sensory analysis of champagne wine characterization and discrimination. Food Qual. Pref. 10, 101-107.

Zoecklein, B., 2002. A Review of Méthode Champenoise Production. Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Published
2018-05-09
Section
Articles