Volatile profile characterization of young Cabernet-Sauvignon wines from a new grape growing region in Brazil

Abstract

Aims: Volatile fractions were characterized for Cabernet Sauvignon wines from four different sites in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, a new grape growing region. Soil characteristics of the different sites were also assessed.

Methods and results: A total of 49 volatile compounds were determined in these wines by gas chromatography coupled to FID, FPD detectors and to mass spectroscopy. Principal component analysis correctly classified the wines for 2004 vintage according to their origin. α-Ionone and β-ionone were present in concentrations inversely proportional in the wines; in both vintages, furaneol^® and geraniol were strongly negatively correlated.

Conclusion: Vineyard location had a strong influence on the volatile wine fraction. The varietal volatile compounds were a key factor in differentiating wines according to the sites.

Significance and impact of study: The importance of the volatile compounds to the overall quality of wines it's already known. Santa Catarina State is a new grape growing region in Brazil that has a varied orography and its climate strongly depends on elevation. Grapes harvested from climatically different regions produce very different wine characteristics. Therefore the need for volatile profiles of Cabernet-Sauvignon wines recently produced at Santa Catarina State had significant enological and economic importance.