Evolution of esters in aged Chardonnay wines obtained with different vinification methods

BACKGROUND: During wine ageing on lees yeast lysis takes place and some enzymes from the yeast cells, such as esterases, may be released. These enzymes might determine ester synthesis and could be also involved in their breakdown. In this study, the evolution of esters in Chardonnay wine fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in bottles (conventional vinification) was compared with the evolution of esters in the same wine fermented and aged in barrel on lees. In this way, it was hoped to determine the influence of distinct methods of vinification on the evolution of esters in Chardonnay wine. RESULTS: The concentration of acetate esters of higher alcohols decreased in all the wines independently of the vinification method. However, the ethyl esters of fatty acids decreased in wine aged in barrel and increased in wine aged in bottle, so it would seem that these compounds interact with the lees present in the barrels and/or with the wood of the barrel. The ethyl esters of organic acids increased during ageing both in barrel and bottle. CONCLUSION: The ageing of Chardonnay wine in barrel on lees did not favour the formation of esters compared to the same wine aged in bottle. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry