Impact of combined grape maturity and selected Saccharomyces cerevisiae on flavor profiles of young ‘cabernet sauvignon’ wines

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Grape maturity and yeast strains are crucial to determining young wine quality. This study evaluates the impact of three grape maturity levels with sugar contents of 22, 25, and 28°Brix combined with two S. cerevisiae strains selected from distinct terroirs on the Cabernet Sauvignon wine profile in the Ningxia Qingtongxia region in China. Physicochemical parameters and volatile aroma compounds were analyzed and quantitative descriptive analysis was performed on wine samples. The results indicated that berry ripeness primarily influenced physicochemical profiles, while aroma characteristics were affected by both grape maturity and yeast strain. Some esters and higher alcohols increased with grape maturity. Late-harvest wines scored significantly higher in aroma and taste quality than early-harvest wines. The CECA strain yielded wines with elevated medium-chain ester levels, reduced higher alcohols, improved balance and purity, and enhanced the typical aroma of blackberry, spice, and dark chocolate. • Harvest date drives major physicochemical profile changes, while aroma profile is influenced by both harvest date and yeast strain • Significant effects of grape maturity on taste quality, typical aroma attributes, and quality. • Wines fermented by S. cerevisiae CECA exhibited superior aroma maturity and overall sensory quality. • PLS regression revealed the components which influenced the typical aroma of blackberry, spice, and dark chocolate.