WINE PRODUCING PROCESS USING FLOWERS OF CASTANEA SATIVA MILL. AS NATURAL PRESERVATIVES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SULPHITE ADMIXTURE

摘要

The present invention describes a wine producing process using flowers of Castanea sativa Mill. as antioxidising and antimicrobial agents, as an alternative to the use of sulphites. A preferential embodiment of the invention relates to the production of Vinho Verde wine. Widely known for their antioxidising and antimicrobial activity, the flowers of Castanea sativa are directly added to the wine during its production process, as an alternative to the admixture of sulphite, the rest of the process remaining the same. In view of the results obtained, based on the physico-chemical and sensory analysis required for this type of drink, the admixture of flowers of Castanea sativa imparted preservative properties to the wine without altering its physico-chemical and sensory parameters. The greatest advantage of this process is the total elimination of the use of synthetic preservatives, namely sulphites, enabling the consumer to enjoy safely a highly appreciated product of high quality; other added values can also be the other bioactive properties imparted to the wine by the presence of the flowers of Castanea sativa.