Metabolomics of Red Wines Aged Traditionally, with Chips or Staves.

Traditionally and alternatively aged wines' odour activity values (OAVs) are investigated to differentiate and highlight the differences between the selected methods. An analysis of the volatile aroma compounds of wines derived from ageing in barrels, oak chips, and staves was performed using stir bar sorptive extraction chromatography-mass spectroscopy (SBSE-GC-MS). The results showed that alcohols, esters, and oak compounds were the main contributors to aroma, and their OAVs were higher in the stave samples after 3 months than in the samples from the other two systems of ageing. Furthermore, wines aged with staves have stronger fruity, spiced, and woody aromas, while samples aged in barrels present more chemistry-driven, floral, caramelly, and creamy aromas. The staves-medium plus toast (SMPT at 3 months > 225) and chips-medium plus toast (CMPT at 3 months > 170) showed the highest levels of aromatic series, suggesting that alternative systems provided more powerful aromas than traditional systems, such as barrels-medium plus toast (BMPT at 3 months > 150). A principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) analysis, and cluster analysis allowed for a clear differentiation to be made between red wines according to ageing systems and ageing times. The odour activity values fingerprint in winemaking is a feasible approach to characterise and distinguish wines. Moreover, OAVs provide important information on the effects of production methods on wine quality and aroma profile.

Studies on the Enhancement of Sparkling Wine and Chocolate Pairing through Compositional Profile Analysis.

Consumers are looking to experience as many interesting culinary combinations as possible, and there is a growing tendency to associate wine with various foods. Although there are some studies associating wine with chocolate, especially red wine, no articles have been published referring to sparkling wines. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to identify the taste compatibility and sensory synergies between sparkling wine and chocolate, with a focus on identifying combinations that can enhance the tasting experience. For this experiment, 14 variants of sparkling wines obtained in Romania and 5 chocolate assortments were evaluated to identify the best culinary match. White chocolate fitted better with Chardonnay-demi-dry sparkling wine; ruby chocolate presented a good match with Feteasca neagra-demi-dry; milk chocolate with 32% cocoa powder associated better with Tamâioasa româneasca-sweet; and dark chocolate with 70% and 95% cocoa powder had synergic matches with Feteasca neagra-sweet. Wine attributes like sweetness, acidity, alcoholic strength and chocolate composition significantly impacted the level of match.

Investigating Six Common Pesticides Residues and Dietary Risk Assessment of Romanian Wine Varieties.

The food and environmental safety debate extends to the use of pesticides in agriculture including the wine sector, which is one of the most intensive pesticide users across the agricultural sector. Pesticide utilisation is a common agricultural practice to protect fruits and plants from pathogens and insects while maintaining high production levels. Grapevine is generally a crop that is subject to intensive phytosanitary treatments, and therefore, it can be assumed that pesticide residues will accumulate in the vine-shoots and, later on, end up in the grapes and wines. The aim of this study was to determine the pesticide content in red, rosé, and white wines after phytosanitary treatments applied in the vineyard and their impact on long-term dietary risks. The following six pesticides were analysed: oxathiapiprolin, myclobutanil, iprovalicarb, tebuconazole, chlorantraniliprole, and acetamiprid. Samples were extracted using the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method and analysed for the residues of pesticides by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results indicated that the observed pesticides in the wine samples ranged between 0.05 and 0.75 ng/g. Dietary risks due to pesticide residues for women and men were evaluated using the estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) of wines. The HQs and HIs did not surpass the 1 value (HQ, HI < 1) for both women and men, denoting that the concentrations of pesticide residues in these wine samples do not pose any immediate risk to consumers. Moreover, a pesticide residue intake model (PRIMo) model analysis was conducted, and the results suggest that European adult consumers have a low pesticide residue intake due to moderate wine consumption. However, pesticide residue intakes have been associated with several human health problems and high toxicity levels, therefore reliable analytical methods to monitor their presence in horticultural crops is crucial for clean and safe food products and healthy consumers.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Ammi visnaga L. Essential Oil.

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of Ammi visnaga L. essential oil to provide a scientific basis for the use of this plant in the traditional pharmacopoeia. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the volatile constituents present of the oil. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the DPPH and the reducing power assays. For the in vivo tests, oral administration of Ammi visnaga L. oil (600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight) was performed in Swiss albino mice treated with acetaminophen (400 mg/kg). The toxic effect of acetaminophen and the action of the essential oil were measured by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidneys homogenates. The major components identified were butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, pentyl ester, (Z)-ß-ocimene, D-limonene, linalool, pulegone and lavandulyl-butyrate. The in vitro DPPH and reducing power assays showed moderate to low free radical scavenging activity and the antioxidant power was positively correlated with the polyphenols' concentration. In vivo, the Ammi visnaga L. essential oil showed a high antioxidant capacity at both concentrations (600 and 1200 mg/kg), effectively increasing the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and significantly reducing the lipid peroxidation. The results obtained from this study suggest that Ammi visnaga L. could represent a source of molecules with antioxidant potential in the prevention of free radical-related diseases.

Evolution of phenolic profile of white wines treated with enzymes.

The aim of this study is to monitor the evolution of the principal phenolic compounds throughout the fermentation stage of white wines treated with different enzymes. The effect of five commercial enzymes on the evolution of the phenolic profile during the alcoholic fermentation of white wines obtained from Feteasca regala and Sauvignon blanc varieties was evaluated. Physicochemical properties of resulted wine samples have been analyzed according to OIV standards and regulations. The evolution of the principal phenolic compounds was carried out using HPLC method. Enzymatic treatments did not significantly affect the physicochemical composition of the obtained wines. The analyzed samples showed different variations on the phenolic compound content, depending on the type of added enzyme and grape variety. The statistical analysis confirms that enzymes significantly contributed to the enrichment of the wines with phenolic compounds, especially with p-coumaric, gentisic, caftaric, and protocatechuic acids.

Effect of Different Winemaking Conditions on Organic Acids Compounds of White Wines.

Organic acids represent naturally occurring compounds that are found in many types of food and beverages, with important functions in defining products' final quality. Their proportions in wine are dependent on grape composition and winemaking conditions (temperature, pH levels, oxygen, and carbon dioxide concentration). Therefore, this article studied the influence of different fermentation conditions (200 hL tanks vs. 50 L glass demijohns) and various yeasts on the evolution of the main organic acids during alcoholic fermentation of "Aligoté" wines. The fermentation lasted 22 days and samples were collected daily. Laboratory analyses were quantified according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine recommendations. High-performance liquid chromatography for the identification and quantification of organic acids was used. The data showed the important effect of winemaking conditions on sugar consumption, density or acidity values, and sensory characteristics. Significant differences in organic acid concentrations (especially for tartaric acid) were obtained for all variants, depending on the fermentation conditions, inoculated yeast and the sampling moment. The quantities of most of the identified organic acids were generally significantly increased when glass vessels were used, compared to those fermented in tanks. Most organic acids concentrations were favored by lower pH and showed higher values at lower temperatures.

Influence of Different Commercial Yeasts on Volatile Fraction of Sparkling Wines.

The occurrence of aroma constituents in sparkling wines, with direct impact on their organoleptic characteristics, is affected by several factors, for example the base-wine particularities, grapes cultivar conditions, inoculated yeasts, the aging stage, and wine-making practices. This study evaluated the influence of different four commercial yeasts (IOC FIZZ™, IOC DIVINE™, LEVULIA CRISTAL™, and IOC 18-2007™) on the volatile composition of experimental sparkling wines. For this, five sparkling wines variants from the Muscat Ottonel grape variety were obtained. The base-wine was obtained through reverse osmosis and had a predetermined alcoholic concentration (10.5% vol.). In order to fulfill the proposed purpose, the experimental sparkling wines were characterized by the physical-chemical parameters (according to International Organization of Vine and Wine methods of analysis), volatile fraction (using gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry technique), and sensory descriptors. Data showed a key impact on the concentration of the volatile constituents (p < 0.05), depending on the type of inoculated yeast for the second fermentation. Regarding the sensory analysis, important differences can be observed due to the type of inoculated yeast. Only a minor influence on the physical-chemical parameters was registered.

Volatilome fingerprint of red wines aged with chips or staves: Influence of the aging time and toasting degree.

The influence on aroma compounds chips or staves and toasting degree have been analyzed in red wines aged for two periods of time. Ethyl propanoate, ethyl butanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, isobutanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 2-phenylethanol, E-2-hexenol, octanal, nonanal, decanal, γ-nonalactone, furfural, 5-methylfurfural, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol and cis-whiskey lactone were the compounds that contribute the most to the aroma series profile. By means of principal components analysis, esters were related to the aging time; cis-whiskey lactone with the type of wood pieces and octanal, 5-methyl furfural and cis-whiskey lactone with the toasting degree. Star plot show that woody aroma compounds are dominant in wines aged with low toasting degree oak pieces, whereas medium plus toasted pieces increased the concentration of aroma compounds with fruity aroma descriptors. Wines with prominent fruity or woody aromas can be obtained depending upon the degree of toasting of wood pieces used for aging.

Evaluation of Aroma Compounds in the Process of Wine Ageing with Oak Chips.

Many modern alcoholic beverages are subjected to ageing processes during which compounds extracted from wood contribute decisively to the overall beverage character. Wines represent a perfect example of beverage in which ageing is a crucial technological manufacturing step. During winemaking, producers accelerate chemical changes in wine composition by traditional and alternative methods, such as the use of oak wood barrels and/or oak wood chips. Our research aimed to investigate the overall volatile composition and sensory quality of red wines aged for two timeframes, namely, 1.5 and 3 months, and with two technological variants, i.e., American and French oak wood chips. Red grapes from the Feteasca neagra (Vitis vinifera) variety were harvested from a vineyard in the North-East region of Romania. Stir bar sorptive extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SBSE-GC-MS) was used to extract minor aromas present in wine samples. The results showed clear differences between wines treated with American and French oak chips. Furthermore, ageing for 3 months increased the concentration of cis-whiskey lactone and guaiacol in American oak-treated wine samples. For wines aged with French oak chips, we observed higher concentrations of furfural, 5-methylfurfural, 4-vinylguaiacol, and trans-whiskey lactone. The increased presence of chemical compounds in wine aged with French oak chips generated prominent smoky, licorice, and toasty aromas, whereas in wines aged with American oak chips, notes of vanilla, toasty, and cacao aromas were noticed. Moreover, red wines aged with American and French oak chips were discriminated by chemometric analysis, which confirmed the evolution of aroma compounds.

Study of the potential use of mesoporous nanomaterials as fining agent to prevent protein haze in white wines and its impact in major volatile aroma compounds and polyols.

Mesoporous nanomaterials were used to prevent protein haze in Muscat Ottonel and Pedro Ximénez wines. Major volatile compounds, polyols and turbidity were analyzed in fined wines and the results were compared with untreated and fined with bentonite wines. Two commercial mesoporous nanomaterial labelled as SBA-15 and MCM-41 provided a notable turbidity reduction and prevent protein haze as was demonstrated by the heat stability tests. Only, the siliceous material labelled as KIT-6 was not suitable for wine fining. All the chemical families were affected by the fining agents, although the loss of aroma compounds was lower with nanomaterials than with bentonite. The impact on volatile compounds concentration depends on tested wine, independently on the fining agent used. Wines were distinguished by principal components analysis, which was carried out using the volatile compounds as classifying variables. Wines treated with SBA-15 were closest to the control wine in terms of volatile compounds concentration.

Selection of aroma compounds for the differentiation of wines obtained by fermenting musts with starter cultures of commercial yeast strains.

Nine wines obtained by fermenting Aligoté musts with individual starter cultures of eight Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains and with the indigenous microbiota were compared in terms of their composition in minor volatile aroma compounds. An easy handle methodology Stir-Bar-Sorptive-Adsorption, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry based, permits the identification of 49 aroma compounds. The rearrangement of these aroma compounds in six chemical families permits the establishment of a finger printing for each wine. Eighteen aroma compounds that exhibit a high differentiation power (p⩽0.05) were selected for chemometric analysis. The Principal Component Analysis carried out with these aroma compounds reveal that the first two principal components explain 53.8% and 17.2% of the total variance, respectively, allowing the establishment of nine different groups, in accordance with the wine types obtained. These results reveal analytical differences among the wines that are not recognized by sensorial analysis.

New pyridazine-fluorine derivatives: synthesis, chemistry and biological activity. Part II.

A comprehensive study concerning synthesis, structure and biological activity of new pyridazine-fluorine (PYF) derivatives is presented. The first synthesis of PYF derivatives in phase-transfer catalysis (PTC) under microwave (MW) and conventional thermal heating (TH) is reported. Under MW irradiation the consumed energy decreases considerably, the amount of used solvent in liquid phase is at least five-fold less comparative with conventional TH, while PTC did not use solvents. Consequently these reactions could be considered environmentally friendly. Also, the reaction time decrease substantially and, in some cases, the yields are higher. A feasible explanation for MW efficiency is presented. Regiochemistry and chorochemistry involved in these reactions are also discussed; the reactions are regioselective and chorospecific or choroselective, respectively. Ten new pyridazine-fluorine cycloadducts are obtained. The in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of the PYF compounds were tested. Introduction of a trifluoromethyl moiety on the pyridazine skeleton is leading to an increasing of the antimicrobial activity. Structure-activity correlationships have been done.