Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory Properties

Greek wines made from the indigenous grape varieties Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Moschofilero and Roditis are attracting the interest of wine producers and consumers due to their aromatic characteristics. However, there are few studies that focus on the unique wine characteristics of each variety and the...

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Main Authors: Evangelia Nanou, Maria Metafa, Susan E. P. Bastian, Yorgos Kotseridis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Beverages
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/11/2/33
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author Evangelia Nanou
Maria Metafa
Susan E. P. Bastian
Yorgos Kotseridis
author_facet Evangelia Nanou
Maria Metafa
Susan E. P. Bastian
Yorgos Kotseridis
author_sort Evangelia Nanou
collection DOAJ
description Greek wines made from the indigenous grape varieties Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Moschofilero and Roditis are attracting the interest of wine producers and consumers due to their aromatic characteristics. However, there are few studies that focus on the unique wine characteristics of each variety and the relationship between the composition of volatile compounds and sensory properties. Monovarietal white wines (2018 vintage) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to quantify 34 volatile compounds. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to investigate correlations between volatiles and sensory attributes identified by a trained panel. The results showed that the strongest aroma compounds were a group of terpenes, isoamyl acetate and phenylethyl acetate. Terpenes such as geraniol, α-terpineol, linalool and cis-rose oxide correlated with floral notes, especially in Moschofilero wines. In addition, isoamyl acetate contributed to the aroma of tropical fruits, especially banana, in the Roditis wines, while phenylethyl acetate correlated with rose, vanilla and fruity notes in both the Moschofilero and Roditis samples. The Assyrtiko wines and the Malagousia wines were mainly associated with compounds such as cis-3-hexen-1-ol and cis- and trans-furan linalool oxides, which may enhance fresh fruit and citrus aromas through synergistic effects. The common background aroma of the studied wines was mainly determined by higher alcohols, fatty acids and ethyl esters. This study provides a basis for understanding the typical aroma of white wines from indigenous Greek grape varieties, which will help producers develop targeted wine styles and will be useful for consumer promotion.
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spelling doaj-art-fb1cd6040c71444998781d8cf678dcd62025-08-20T03:14:17ZengMDPI AGBeverages2306-57102025-02-011123310.3390/beverages11020033Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory PropertiesEvangelia Nanou0Maria Metafa1Susan E. P. Bastian2Yorgos Kotseridis3Laboratory of Oenology & Alcoholic Drinks (LEAD), Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, GreeceInstitute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—DIMITRA, 1 Sofokli Venizelou, 14123 Lycovrisi, GreeceDiscipline of Wine Science, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, Adelaide 5064, SA, AustraliaLaboratory of Oenology & Alcoholic Drinks (LEAD), Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, GreeceGreek wines made from the indigenous grape varieties Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Moschofilero and Roditis are attracting the interest of wine producers and consumers due to their aromatic characteristics. However, there are few studies that focus on the unique wine characteristics of each variety and the relationship between the composition of volatile compounds and sensory properties. Monovarietal white wines (2018 vintage) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to quantify 34 volatile compounds. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to investigate correlations between volatiles and sensory attributes identified by a trained panel. The results showed that the strongest aroma compounds were a group of terpenes, isoamyl acetate and phenylethyl acetate. Terpenes such as geraniol, α-terpineol, linalool and cis-rose oxide correlated with floral notes, especially in Moschofilero wines. In addition, isoamyl acetate contributed to the aroma of tropical fruits, especially banana, in the Roditis wines, while phenylethyl acetate correlated with rose, vanilla and fruity notes in both the Moschofilero and Roditis samples. The Assyrtiko wines and the Malagousia wines were mainly associated with compounds such as cis-3-hexen-1-ol and cis- and trans-furan linalool oxides, which may enhance fresh fruit and citrus aromas through synergistic effects. The common background aroma of the studied wines was mainly determined by higher alcohols, fatty acids and ethyl esters. This study provides a basis for understanding the typical aroma of white wines from indigenous Greek grape varieties, which will help producers develop targeted wine styles and will be useful for consumer promotion.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/11/2/33Greek white winesaromavolatile compoundsGC-MSsensory analysisPCA
spellingShingle Evangelia Nanou
Maria Metafa
Susan E. P. Bastian
Yorgos Kotseridis
Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory Properties
Beverages
Greek white wines
aroma
volatile compounds
GC-MS
sensory analysis
PCA
title Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory Properties
title_full Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory Properties
title_fullStr Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory Properties
title_full_unstemmed Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory Properties
title_short Revealing the Unique Characteristics of Greek White Wine Made from Indigenous Varieties Through Volatile Composition and Sensory Properties
title_sort revealing the unique characteristics of greek white wine made from indigenous varieties through volatile composition and sensory properties
topic Greek white wines
aroma
volatile compounds
GC-MS
sensory analysis
PCA
url https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/11/2/33
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