It is well known that grape aromatic composition is directly correlated to the final wine quality. To determine this composition, a previous stage of selective extraction is necessary, since the aromatic compounds are found in very low concentrations in the grapes. Therefore, in this work, the thin film microextraction technique (TF-SPME) was optimized, for first time, with the aim to analyze the volatile composition of the grape musts. The results obtained with the two commercially available absorbent materials for TF-SPME, polydimethylsiloxane/carboxene (PDMS/CAR) and PDMS/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB), were optimized and compared. To carry out the optimization, a randomized factorial design was performed combining the following factors and levels: extraction mode (headspace (HS), or direct immersion (DI)), stirring speed (500 and 1000 rpm), extraction time (1, 3 and 6 h), and extraction temperature (20, 40 and 60 °C). After performing a principal component analysis (PCA) and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) multifactorial, it was concluded that the best conditions for TF-SPME with PDMS/CAR were: direct immersion (DI), 500 rpm, 6 h, and 20 °C, while for TF-SPME with PDMS/DVB no conditions were found that maximized the extraction of most compounds, therefore compromise conditions were chosen: headspace (HS), 500 rpm, 6 h, and 40 °C. Finally, the comparison between the results obtained with both absorbents indicated that the absorbent that extracted better the volatile compounds from the musts with the TF-SPME technique, was PDMS/CAR, under the conditions: direct immersion (DI), 500 rpm, 6 h, and 20 °C.

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts, particularly Metschnikowia pulcherrima, are considered alternatives to SO₂ in winemaking, combating specific microorganisms. The sensory profile of the wine is contingent upon the type of yeast, the fermentation conditions, and the concentration and mode of application with Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (whether pure or used in mixed/sequential co-fermentation). This study assessed the aroma in red wines produced with S. cerevisiae (Sc) and M. pulcherrima (Mp, non-Sc), incorporating variations in the method of addition and the inclusion or exclusion of SO₂. The enological parameters of the wines were slightly affected. Volatile compounds were analysed in the wines through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at three moments: at the end of malolactic fermentation (MLF) and after 6 and 9 months of bottle ageing. Sequential fermentation of Sc and Mp reduced the concentration of most identified alcohols and acids, which is favourable, as these compounds can yield undesirable aromas at high concentrations. Regardless of the yeast mixture and Mp dose, a majority of the acetate esters and ethyl esters were quantified at concentrations above their perception thresholds, thus enhancing the sensory quality of the wines. Sensory analysis of wines showed generally positive evaluations. Using non-Saccharomyces as an alternative to SO₂ improves the aromatic profile of wines.

Foliar nutrient sprays are broadly used in commercial agriculture. To date, the application of Ca and Si has been little explored in vineyard production but may lead to positive responses at various levels. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of supplying single or combined calcium (Ca, 120 mM) and silicon (Si, 120 mM) sprays in Tempranillo grape composition. Foliar treatment with Ca + Si foliar enhanced all families of aromatic compounds, whereas single Ca and Si sprays induced lower effects. Regarding phenolic compounds, all foliar treatments led to minor effects. However, all three foliar Ca and Si treatments increased the total grape amino acid content. Consequently, the application of combined Ca and Si sprays to a vineyard is recommended as a tool for improving grape quality.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of volatile compounds concentration in grape berries is very valuable information for the winemaker, since these compounds are strongly involved in the final wine quality, and in consumer acceptance. In addition, it would allow to set the harvest date according to aromatic maturity, to classify grape berries according to their quality and to make wines with different characteristics, among other implications. However, so far, there are no tools that allow the volatile composition to be measured directly on intact berries, either in the vineyard or in the winery.RESULTS: In this work, the use of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to estimate the aromatic composition and total soluble solids (TSS) of Tempranillo Blanco grape berries during ripening was evaluated. For this purpose, the spectra in the NIR range (1100–2100 nm) of 240 intact berry samples were acquired in the laboratory. From these same samples, the concentration of volatile compounds was analyzed by thin film‐solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TF‐SPME‐GC–MS), and the TSS were quantified by refractometry. These two methods were used as reference methods for model building. Calibration, cross‐validation and prediction models were built from spectral data using partial least squares (PLS). Determination coefficients of cross‐validation (R²_CV) above 0.5 were obtained for all volatile compounds, their families, and TSS.CONCLUSIONS: These findings support that NIR spectroscopy can be successfully use to estimate the aromatic composition as well as the TSS of intact Tempranillo Blanco berries in a non‐destructive, fast, and contactless form, allowing simultaneous determination of technological and aromatic maturities. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.