Irrigation effects on the volatile composition and sensory profile of Albarino wines from two different terroirs

摘要

Volatile composition plays a fundamental role in wine aroma and quality. However, the concentrations of volatiles depend on climate conditions and agricultural practices, such as irrigation. The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of irrigation on the volatile composition and sensory characteristics of wines from Vitis vinifera (L.) cultivar 'Albarino' in two zones of NW Spain (Rias Baixas and Ribeiro) during three consecutive years (2012, 2013, and 2014). Irrigation was scheduled by the vine grower in Rias Baixas, whereas it was fixed at 50% of the estimated crop evapotranspiration in Ribeiro. Water was applied in August, mainly, in Rias Baixas and from mid-July to mid-August in Ribeiro. Irrigation significantly altered the concentrations of several volatiles, which differed between zones and years. For instance, wines from the irrigated treatment had lower concentrations of isoamyl acetate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, and ethyl hexanoate than those from the rain-fed treatment in Rias Baixas. In contrast, irrigation increased the concentrations of ethyl hexanoate and ethyl octanoate, while reduced those of free terpenes in wines from Ribeiro. Mainly, these differences between zones were caused by the climate conditions of each region.