The technology of high-power ultrasound and its effect on the color and aroma of rosé wines.

BACKGROUND

The application of high-power ultrasound (US) has been studied extensively to obtain value-added red wines using short maceration times. It is a technique of wide interest for the extraction of aromatic compounds and compounds responsible for color, so it could also be an important tool to use in the elaboration process of rosé wines. Thus, this study focused on the effect of the application of US on the phenolic, aromatic, and sensorial profile of rosé wines. For this, three different types of rosé wine were produced: a control with direct pressing after crushing, another wine obtained from a 4 h macerated must, and a wine whose crushed and destemmed grape was sonicated and subsequently pressed.

RESULTS

The results showed a higher color intensity and a higher total polyphenol and anthocyanin content in the wine obtained from sonicated grape compared to both control wine and that obtained from grape macerated for 4 h. Ultrasound treatment enhanced the extraction of varietal volatile compounds in must, especially the free faction of terpenes and norisoprenoids. It also gave rise to wines with a higher concentration of C6 alcohols and other compounds such as guaiacol and 4-vinylguaiacol, but led to fewer fatty acids, especially C6, C4 and C8 acids. Sensorially these wines showed intense aromas of red fruits and flowers, while no defects in aroma or astringency were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The color and sensory profile of the resulting wines indicate that the US may be an interesting tool for obtaining quality rosé wines, replacing the maceration stage and reducing potential oxidation problems. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.