The localization in the berry of S-cysteine conjugates, sulfur flavor precursors in the Sauvignon blanc grapes, was studied. The assay of the S-cysteine conjugates showed that the content of 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one and 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-ol precursors (P-4MMP and P-4MMPOH) were equivalent in the juice and skin, while the concentration of 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol precursor (P-3MH) was almost eight times higher in the skin. In comparison with immediate pressing, skin contact only allowed a modest increase in the concentration of P-4MMP and P-4MMPOH, but it enriched the must considerably with P-3MH. The difference in behavior between the P-4MMP and P-4MMPOH and the P-3MH was explained by their localization within the berries. Acknowledgment: This study received the financial support of Comité Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux (C.I.V.B.) and Conseil Régional d’Aquitaine.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gachons et al. (2002) studied this question.