Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: ~-Glucosidases constitute a major group of biologically important enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of glycosidic linkages in ~-glucosides, as well as in glycosides that contain only carbohydrate residues, e.g. cellobiose. These enzymes occur in all living kingdoms and perform a variety of functions in organisms ranging from bacteria to highly evolved mammals. Three different types of ~-glucosidases are found in humans, each with its own function: glucocerebrosidase (a deficiency causes Gaucher disease), lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (a deficiency results in lactose intolerance) and cytosolic ~-glucosidase (responsible for the hydrolysis of ~- glucosides ingested with foods of plant and animal origin). In plants, the functions of ~-glucosidases include pigment metabolism, biomass conversion and cyanogenesis, a function it shares with insect ~-glucosidases. Microbial ~-glucosidases, as part of the cellulase enzyme system that is responsible for the hydrolysis of cellobiose and short-chain oligosaccharides into glucose, playa role in the conversion of cellulosic biomass to liquid fuel. These microbial ~-glucosidases also playa very important role in the enhancement of fruit and wine aromas through the liberation of monoterpenols. Monoterpenols play an invaluable role in the flavor and aroma of grapes and wine, and are present as free, volatile and odorous molecules, as well as flavorless, non-volatile glycosidic complexes. These complexes most often occur as 6-0-~-Dxvlopyranosyl- B-Dcqlucopyranosides, 6-0-~-D-glucopyranosyl-~-D-glucopyranosides, 6-0-a-L-arabinofuranosyl-~-D-glucopyranosides, 6-0-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl-~-Dglucopyranosides, or 6-0-~-D-apiofuranosyl-~-D-glucopyranosides of mainly linalool, geraniol, nerol, a-terpineol and hotrienol. Two mechanisms exist for the release of monoterpenes from glycosidically bound non-volatile precursors: acid hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis. As high temperature acid hydrolysis causes a rearrangement of the monoterpene aglycones, the focus has shifted towards the more efficient enzymatic hydrolysis that does not result in modifications of the intrinsic aromatic character of the wine. The endogenous ~-glucosidases of grapes (Vitis vinifera), as well as of the wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, exhibit very low activity towards the glycoside precursors, and thus the focus has increasingly fallen on the addition of exogenous ~-glucosidases to enhance wine flavor. Fungal, bacterial and some yeast ~- glucosidases have been indicated as effective aroma liberators, but these enzymes are not always suitable for use under the harsh conditions that prevail during winemaking (i.e. low pH, low temperatures, and high ethanol and glucose concentrations). The limited enzyme activities of the abovementioned microorganisms have resulted in a search among non-Saccharomyces yeasts for ~- glucosidases that can withstand these conditions. The ~-glucosidase activities of 20 wine-associated non-Saccharomyces yeasts were quantified, characterized and assessed to determine the efficiency with which they could liberate monoterpenols from their terpenyl-glycosides. The Debaryomyces pseudopolymorphus l3-glucosidase from intracellular crude cell extracts exhibited the most suitable combination of properties in terms of functionality at wine pH, resistance to wine-associated inhibitory compounds (glucose, ethanol and sulfur dioxide), high substrate affinity and large aglycone-substrate recognition. This yeast strain was also used, in conjunction with S. cerevisiae VIN13, for the small-scale fermentation of Chardonnay juice. The results indicated that the l3-glucosidase of D. pseudopolymorphus had definite potential as a wine aroma-enhancing enzyme, as the concentrations of free terpenols (nerol, geraniol and citronellol) were significantly increased during fermentation. Future experimental work would include an in-depth study of the kinetic characteristics of the l3-glucosidases (both cytosolic and cell-associated) exhibiting the highest terpenol-liberating activity under winemaking conditions. The next step would then be the cloning and expression of the most efficient l3-glucosidase gene in a commercial wine yeast. Such a recombinant wine yeast would release grapederived aroma compounds from their non-volatile precursors during single culture fermentations, thereby increasing the sensorial quality of wine. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: I3-Glukosidases vorm deel van 'n groot groep biologies belangrike ensieme wat die hidrolise van glikosidiese bindings binne l3-glukosiede,sowel as binne glikosiede wat slegs uit koolhidraatresidue bestaan, soos bv. sellobiose, kataliseer. Hierdie ensieme kom in alle koningkryke van lewende organismes voor en verrig 'n wye verskeidenheid funksies binne organismes wat wissel van bakterieë tot hoogs ontwikkelde soogdiere. Drie verskillende tipes l3-glukosidases,elk met sy eie funksie, kom in mense voor: glukoserebrosidase ('n gebrek hieraan lei tot Gaucher-siekte), laktaseflorizinhidrolase ('n gebrek hieraan gee aanleiding tot laktose-intoleransie) en sitosol l3-glukosidase (verantwoordelik vir die hidrolise van l3-glukosiede wat saam met voedsel van plant en dier oorsprong ingeneem word). Die funksies van 13- glukosidase binne plante sluit in pigmentmetabolisme, biomassa-omsetting en sianogenese, wat ook 'n funksie van insek l3-glukosidases is. Mikrobiese 13- glukosidases, as deel van die sellulase-ensiemsisteem wat verantwoordelik vir die hidrolise van sellobiose en kortketting-oligosakkariede na glukose is, speel 'n rol in die omsetting van sellulosebiomassa na brandstof. Hierdie mikrobiese 13- glukosidases speelook 'n baie belangrike rol in die verbetering van vrugte- en wynaroma deur die vrystelling van monoterpenole. Monoterpenole speel 'n belangrike rol in die geur en aroma van druiwe en wyn, en kom voor as vry, vlugtige en aromatiese molekules, asook geurlose, nie-vlugtige glikosidies-gebonde komplekse. Hierdie komplekse is meestal in die vorm van 6-0- I3-D-xilopiranosiel-I3-D-glukopiranosiede, 6-0-a-L-arabinofuranosiel-I3-D-glukopiranosiede, 6-0-I3-D-glukopiranosiel-I3-D-glukopiranosiede, 6-0-a-L-ramnopiranosiel- I3-D-glukopiranosiede,of 6-0-I3-D-apiofuranosiel-I3-D-glukopiranosiedevan hoofsaaklik linalool, geraniol, nerol, a-terpineol en hotrienol. Monoterpenole kan op een van twee maniere van hul suikermolekules vrygestel word: suurhidrolise of ensimatiese hidrolise. Die hoë temperature waarby suurhidrolise plaasvind veroorsaak 'n herrangskikking van die monoterpeen aglikone, en die fokus het gevolglik verskuif na die meer effektiewe ensimatiese hidrolise wat nie verandering van die intrinsieke aromatiese karakter van die wyn tot gevolg het nie. Die endogene l3-glukosidases van druiwe (Vitis vinifera) en die wyngis Saccharomyces cere visiae , toon baie lae aktiwiteit ten opsigte van die aromatiese voorlopers, en dus word daar toenemend op die toevoeging van eksogene 13- glukosidases tot die wyn gefokus om meer geur vry te stel. Daar is bevind dat 13- glukosidases van fungiese, bakteriële en gis oorsprong effektiewe aromavrystelIers is, maar hierdie ensieme is nie altyd gepas vir gebruik in wyn nie, aangesien dit 'n omgewing is met 'n lae pH, lae temperatuur, en hoë etanol- en glukosekonsentrasies. Die beperkte ensiemaktiwitiet van bogenoemde mikroorganismes het gelei tot 'n soeke onder nie-Saccharomyces giste na l3-glukosidases wat in die wynomgewing kan funksioneer. Die ~-glukosidase-aktiwiteit van twintig wyn geassosieerde nie-Saccharomyces giste is gekwantifiseer en gekarakteriseer om te bepaal tot watter mate dit monoterpenole van hul terpeniel glikosiede kan vrystel. Die intrasellulêre ~- glukosidase teenwoordig in the selekstrak van Debaryomyces pseudopolymorphus, het die belowendste resultate getoon ten opsigte van funksionaliteit by wyn se pH, weerstand teen wyn geassosieerde inhibeerders (glukose, etanol en swaweidioksied), hoë substraataffiniteit en breë aglikoon-substraat herkenning. Hierdie gisras is ook in kombinasie met S. cerevisiae VIN13 gebruik vir die kleinskaalse fermentasie van Chardonnay sap. Die resultate het getoon dat die ~- glukosidase van D. pseudopolymorphus wel potensiaal het om wynaroma te verhoog, aangesien die konsentrasie van ongebonde terpenole (nerol, geraniol en citronellol) aansienlik tydens fermentasie toegeneem het. Toekomstige eksperimentele werk sluit in, onder meer, In in-diepte studie van die kinetiese eienskappe van die ~-glukosidases (beide sitesolies en sel-geassosieerd) wat die meeste terpenole onder wynrnaakkondisies vry stel, asook die klonering en uitdrukking van die enkele ~-glukosidasegeen met die hoogste aktiwiteit, in In kommersiële wyngis. Só In rekombinante wyngis sal die vrystelling van druifgebaseerde aromakomponente van hul nie-vlugtige, geurlose voorlopers tydens enkel-kultuur fermentasies teweeg bring.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Yeasts produce a broad range of aroma-active volatile esters and higher alcohols during alcoholic fermentation. Some of these esters and higher alcohols are important for the fruity flavors and therefore the final quality of wine and other fermented beverages. Esters are produced and hydrolyzed by alcohol acetyltransferases and esterases, respectively. In yeast, ester-synthesizing activities are represented by two alcohol acetyltransferases encoded by the ATFI and ATF2 genes, and by an ethanol hexanoyl transferase encoded by the EHTI gene. Atfl p and Atf2p appear responsible for the production of ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate, while Ehtl p synthesizes ethyl hexanoate from ethanol and hexanoyl-CoA. Although a fair amount of information is available regarding the ATF 1 gene, limited information is available on the remaining alcohol acetyltransferases. Only two genes that code for esterases have been identified in yeast, namely lAHI and TIPI. It has also been shown that the balance between alcohol acetyltransferases and esterases is important for the net rate of ester accumulation. Higher alcohols are synthesized from the a-keto-acids in the branched-chain amino acid metabolic pathway by decarboxylation and reduction. The transamination of the amino acid to the respective a-keto-acid is catalyzed by mitochondrial and cytosolic branched-chain amino acid transferases, which are encoded by the BATI and BAT2 genes, respectively. In recent years, a strong scientific and industrial interest in the metabolism of flavoractive compounds has emerged, but information regarding the roles of specific enzymes and the physiological relevance of their metabolism remains limited. The aim of this project was to investigate the physiological and metabolic consequences of changes in the expression levels of some of the key enzymes involved in aroma compound production. The consequences of these changes on the chemical composition and the fermentation bouquet of wines and distillates were also investigated. The first part of the section on the results in this dissertation reports on the role and relative importance of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae enzymes involved in ester metabolism, namely Atflp, Atf2p, Ehtlp, Iahlp and Tiplp. The corresponding genes were overexpressed in a laboratory strain of S. cerevisiae, BY4742, and in a widely used commercial wine yeast strain, VIN13. Table wine and base wines for distillation were prepared with these VIN13 transformed strains. The ester concentrations and aroma profiles of the wines and distillates were analyzed and compared. The data indicated that the overexpression of ATF 1 and ATF2 increased the concentrations of ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, 2-pheylethyl acetate and ethyl caproate, while the overexpression of JAHI resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, hexyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate. The overexpression of EHTI resulted in a marked increase in the concentrations of ethyl caproate, ethyl caprylate and ethyl caprate, while the overexpression of TJP1 did not decrease the concentrations of any of the esters. In most cases, there was a correlation between the increase in esters and the decrease in higher alcohols. The data suggest that yeast balances the amount of different esters produced through alcohol acetyltransferases and esterases, and that, in some cases, these enzymes appear to overlap in function and/or influence each other's activity. In the second part of the results section, the consequences of the deletion and the overexpression of two genes, BATl and BAT2, which encode transaminases that contribute to the metabolism of higher alcohols, were investigated. The genes were both disrupted in a S. cerevisiae BY4742, and overexpressed in both this laboratory strain and in the VIN13 wine yeast strain. The effects of these modifications on the general physiology of the corresponding yeast strains and on higher alcohol metabolism were assessed in a range of growth conditions, including aerobic and anaerobic growth conditions, in the presence of glucose or raffinose as sole carbon source and growth in the presence of various concentrations of amino acids. Table wine and base wines for distillation were prepared with the modified industrial strains and the concentrations of the higher alcohols and the aroma profiles of the wine and distillates were analyzed and compared. Batl deletion seemed to be lethal under the conditions that were created, and therefore only the bat2!:!.strain, together with the BATI and BAT2 overexpression strains, were investigated. These modifications did not appear to significantly affect the general physiology of the strains. The results obtained indicated that the overexpression of BATI increased the concentrations of isoamyl alcohol and isoamyl acetate, and, to a lesser extent, the concentrations of isobutanol and isobutyric acid. The overexpression of the BAT2 gene resulted in a substantial increase in the levels of isobutanol, isobutyric acid and propionic acid production, and a modest increase in the level of propanol and isovaleric acid. Interestingly, the overexpression of BAT2 led to a decrease in isoamyl alcohol and isoamyl acetate concentrations. Sensory analyses indicated that the wines and distillates produced with the strains in which the BATl and BAT2 genes were overexpressed had more fruity characteristics (peach and apricot aromas) than the wines produced by the wild-type strains. This study offers new prospects for the development of wine yeast starter strains with optimized ester and higher alcohol-producing capability that could assist winemakers in their efforts to consistently produce wine to definable specifications and styles and a predetermined flavor profile. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Gedurende fermentasie produseer giste 'n wye verskeidenheid vlugtige aromatiese esters en hoër alkohole. Sommige van hierdie esters en hoër alkohole is belangrik vir die vrugtige geure en dra dus by tot die finale kwaliteit van wyn en ander gefermenteerde drankies. Esters word onderskeidelik deur alkoholasetieltranferases en esterases geproduseer en gehidroliseer. In giste word die ester-sintetiserende aktiwiteite deur twee alkoholasetieltransferases verteenwoordig wat deur die ATFI-en ATF2-gene, asook 'n etanolheksanoïeltransferase wat deur die EHTl-geen, gekodeer word. Dit blyk dat ATFlp en ATF2p verantwoordelik is vir die produksie van etielasetaat en isoamielasetaat, terwyl Ehtl p-etielheksanoaat vanaf etanol en heksanoïel-CoA sintetiseer. Alhoewel daar 'n redelike hoeveelheid inligting t.o.v die ATF I-geen beskikbaar is, is daar weinig inligting oor die res van die aloholasetieltransferases. Slegs twee gene wat vir esterases kodeer, is in gis geïdentifiseer, naamlik IAHI en TIPI. Daar is ook bewys dat 'n balans tussen die alkoholasetieltransferases en esterases baie belangrik is vir die netto-tempo van ester-akkumulasie. Hoër alkohole word gesintetiseer vanaf a-keto sure in die vertakte-ketting aminosuur metaboliese pad deur dekarboksilasie en reduksie. Die transaminasie van die aminosuur na die onderkeidelike a-ketosuur word deur vertakte-ketting aminosuur transferases, geleë in die mitochondrion en sitosol, en gekodeer deur BATl- en BAT2-gene, gekataliseer. In die laaste paar jare het daar 'n sterk wetenskaplike, asook industrïele, belangstelling in die metabolisme van aroma-aktiewe komponente te voorskyn gekom, maar inligting in verband met die rol van spesifieke ensieme en die fisiologiese belangrikheid van hul metabolisme is egter beperk. Die doel van hierdie projek was om die fisiologiese en metaboliese gevolge van veranderinge in die ekspressievlakke van sommige sleutelensieme betrokke by aromakomponent-produksie te ondersoek. Die gevolge van hierdie veranderinge op chemiese vlakke, asook hoe die fermentasie-aroma van die wyne en distillate beïnvloed word, is ook bestudeer. Die eerste gedeelte van die resultate rapporteer oor die rol en relatiewe belangrikheid van die Saccharomyces cerevisiae-ensieme betrokke by estermetabolisme, naamlik Atfl p, Atf2p, Ehtlp, Iahlp en Tiplp. Die gene was ooruitgedruk in 'n laboratoriurnras van S. cerevisiae, BY4742, asook in 'n kommersïele wyngisras, VIN13. Tafelwyne en basiswyne vir distillasie is gemaak met die getransformeerde VIN13-rasse. Die esterkonsentrasies en aromaprofiele van die wyne en distillate is ontleed en vergelyk. Die data het gewys dat die ooruitdrukking van ATFI- en ATF2-gene 'n verhoging in etielasetaat, isoamielasetaat, 2-fenieletielasetaat en etielkaproaat veroorsaak het, terwyl ooruitdrukking van !AHI 'n betekenisvolle afname in etielasetaat-, isoamielasetaat-, heksielasetaat- en 2-fenieletielasetaat-konsentrasies veroorsaak het. Die ooruitdrukking van EHTI het 'n duidelike verhoging in etielkaproaat, etielkaprilaat en etielkapraat veroorsaak en die ooruitdrukking van TIPIhet geen van die esterkonsentrasies verander nie. In die meeste gevalle was daar nie 'n korrelasie tussen die toename in esters en afname in hoër alkohole nie. Die data stelook voor dat die gis 'n balans tussen die verskillende esters handhaaf deur middel van die alkoholasetieltrasferases en esterases, en in sommige gevalle blyk dit dat die ensieme dieselfde funksies het en/of mekaar se aktiwiteit beïnvloed. In die tweede gedeelte van die resultate is die oorsake van delesie en ooruitdrukking van twee gene, BAT1 en BAT2, wat kodeer vir transaminases wat tot hoër alkohol metabolisme bydra, bestudeer. Die gene is uitgeslaan in S. cerevisiae BY4742 en ooruitgedruk in BY4742 en in die wyngisras VIN13. Die effekte van hierdie modifikasies op die algemene fisiologie van die verskillende gisrasse en op hoëralkoholmetabolisme is onder 'n verskeidenheid kondisies bestudeer, naamlik aërobies en anaërobiese groeikondisies, in die teenwoordigheid van glukose of raffinose as die enigste koolstofbron, asook in die teenwoordigheid van 'n verskeidenheid konsentrasies aminosure. Tafelwyne en basiswyne vir distillasie is gemaak met die gemodifiseerde industrïele rasse en die konsentrasies van die hoër alkohole en aromaprofiele van die wyne en distillate is ontleed en vergelyk. Bat1-delesie was dodelik onder die kondisies, daarom is slegs die batlts-tes tesame met die BAT1 en BAT2 wat in die rasse ooruitgedruk is, bestudeer. Die modifikasies het nie 'n beduidende effek op die algemene fisiologie van die rasse getoon nie. Die data het wel getoon dat die ooruitdrukking van BAT1 'n verhoging in isoamielalkohol- en isoamielasetaatkonsentrasies, en tot 'n mindere mate isobutielalkohol- en isobottersuur-konsentrasies, veroorsaak het. Die ooruitdrukking van BAT2 het 'n beduidende toename in isobutanol-, isobottersuur- en propioonsuurkonsentrasies en 'n kleinere toename in propanol- en isovaleriaansuur veroorsaak. Die ooruitdrukking van BAT2 het ook gelei tot 'n afname in isoamielalkohol- en isoamielasetaatkonsentrasies. Sensoriese analises het getoon dat die wyne en distillate wat geproduseer is met die rasse waarin die BAT1 en BAT2 gene ooruitgedruk is meer vrugtige eienskappe (perske- en appelkoos-aromas) getoon het as die wyne wat deur die wildetipe rasse geproduseer is. Die studie lewer nuwe vooruitsigte vir die ontwikkeling van wyngiste met geoptimiseerde ester en hoër alkohol produserende eienskappe wat die wynmakers in staat kan stelom wyne te produseer met gedefinieerde spesifikasies en style en 'n voorafbepaalde aromaprofiel.

Thesis (MScAgric) -- Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Winemakers or producers are under constant pressure to reduce the operational costs for the production of wine. The reason for this being threefold: Firstly, the number of cellars and estates locally, and internationally, has grown immensely. Thus, the competition on both the national and international front has put producers under pressure to reduce their production cost in order to survive the explosion of brand possibilities on the consumer's horizons. Secondly, the exchange rate has been one of the most unpredictable variables which highlight the importance of scenario planning and sufficient financial planning in order to overcome significant exchange rate fluctuations which may cause financial strain for the business. Thirdly, the benefits of using expensive oak barrels for the maturation of premium quality wines are undisputable. These benefits include the clarification and decarbonation of wines, decrease in the astringency of tannins ("softening of tannins"), the evolution of colour, providing complementary oak aromas which increase the complexity and finesse of these wines and stabilising the colloid structure of the maturing wine. The greatest disadvantages remain nevertheless that it is a costly and labour intensive operation. Oak is an essential part of the flavour profile of many premium quality wines, and there is still a growing market demand for these wines. The use of oak barrels for the maturation of premium red wines, incorporates a specific flavour dimension to the wine (and adding value), has been the traditional way of storing wines. Well known cellars and Estates all over the world have build remarkable profiles and identities for their brands. To alter any principles regarding the use of oak will alter the style of the wines and will beyond any doubt influence their brand image negatively. Chapter 1 gives an introduction and the main aims of the study. The phenolic composition of grapes and oak are a complex mixture of different molecules which are discussed in Chapter 2. These include those responsible for the colour (anthocyanins), taste (mainly the tannins) and aroma of the wine. The composition of the oak barrel can be influenced by its origin, seasoning of the oak, toasting of the staves, age of the barrel etc. These factors all affect the chemical composition of the oak (lactones, volatile phenols, carbohydrate volatiles, hydrolysable tannins etc.) and ultimately, the wine. The chemical reactions taking place in wine during ageing are also complex, which makes maturation and research of wine in oak a complex business. The challenge, thus, developed to sustain the flavour profiles (oak attributes) and to reduce the operational costs, without influencing the identity or profile of the brand negatively. The use of oak derived products like chips, dust, blocks, staves, balls and even extracts was proposed, although it is considered by-products of the cooperage profession. Some of the major disadvantages of the use of oak derived products still remain the limited control over the production process. This may lead to inconsistency in the quality of these products. Nevertheless, the use of oak derived products and the availability of these products have grown significantly and with it a need for research on this field. Chapter 3 address the results obtained from the maturation of Pinotage, which is uniquely South African, and Shiraz wines, in different oak type barrels (French vs. American vs. Russian), as well as treatments with various oak derived products, and the influence of these oak products on the evolution of colour, phenolic development and quality of the wines during ageing. The results obtained in this project correlated with findings in the literature. The colour density, percentage of red pigment colour and S02 resistant pigments increased, especially in the first three to six months during ageing in barrels as a result of ellagic tannin extraction from the barrels and polymerisation reactions, but decreased later as maturation progresses as a result of precipitation. In some cases the use of oak increased the colour density significantly with almost 40%. The colour density, total red pigment colour and total phenolic composition decreased during bottle maturation as a result of polymerisation. No significant colour differences between the barrel types could, however, be detected. The use of oak derived products showed the same tendencies for all colour dimensions, although no significant differences could be detected between the treatments. The most significant difference was that new oak barrels contributed more to the development of colour compared to the oak treatments. The Gelatine index gives an indication of the degree of polymerisation of tannins; higher values will indicate tannins which are highly reactive and will cause an astringent mouth feel. The values should decrease as maturation progresses and tannins polymerise. Little differences between barrel types (French vs. American vs. Russian) were found in the one Shiraz, but in the two Pintage wines the index was the lowest in the wines matured in French oak after 36 months bottle ageing. Sensorial tests indicated little quality differences after 36 months between the different oak types The American oak barrels had, in general, a more "oaky bouquet", even after 36 months in the bottle. Pinotage matured with different alternative oak products showed that chips added to barrels tended to give a higher oak aroma, with a lower fruit compared to the other treatments. The same wine matured in new barrels, as expected, also had a very high oak aroma compared to the same wine matured in older barrels. This led to a higher fruit perception in the latter wines. Lees contact is a practice more commonly used in the production of white wines, but may be a dangerous practice in the production of red wines. Chapter 4 reports on the effect of lees contact during ageing of red wine on the micro flora and colour after 12 month maturation. No significant differences in microbial analysis were detected during of barrel maturation between the wines matured in the lees and the filtered wines for acetic acid, yeast and lactic acid bacteria. The initial pH differences during cold maceration and fermentation, however, did influence these numbers, with higher numbers being observed at higher pH values. However, colour differences could be detected. The concentration of yellow brown pigments (measured at 420 nm) was lower in the lees matured wines than in the filtered· wines which underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel. Other colour differences that could be detected were higher colour density and total red pigment colour in wines as a result of longer skin contact (due to slower alcoholic fermentation rate). Thus, manipulation of the skins during alcoholic fermentation, the use of barrels and/or oak derived products in various stages of vinification and maturation of wines and additional practices as maturation on lees may be thus be used to set a certain style of wine which meet a specific market demand, trend or style. Chapter 5 summarises the results obtained and future research to be done on wood and wine. This study, however, clearly showed that the origin and oak type does not influence the colour as much as the aroma and taste of red wine under South African conditions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING; Wynmakers of produsente word onder gedurige druk geplaas om die produksiekoste van wyn te verlaag. Die redes hiervoor is drieledig: Eerstens het die getal kelders en landgoedere op nasionale en internasionale vlak geweldig toegeneem. Dus, die kompetisie op beide nasionale en internasionale gebied plaas produsente onder druk om die produksie koste van die wyn te verminder om sodoende finansieel die ontploffing van nuwe moontlike wyne op die horison van die verbruiker te oorleef. Tweedens, die wisselkoers was altyd een van die meer onvoorspelbare veranderlikes wat die belangrikheid van scenario-beplanning en weldeurdagte finansiele beplanning beklemtoon om sodoende groat veranderinge in die wisselkoers, wat moontlike finansiele druk in die besigheid mag veroorsaak, te oorkom. Derdens, een van die grootste uitgawes in die produksie proses van is die verouderingskomponent van kwaliteitswyn. Die voordele van die gebruik van eikehout vate in die verouderingsproses van rooiwyne is welbekend. Hierdie voordele sluit in die suiwering van die wyn in terme van soliede partikels , dekarbonisering (C02-ontgasting}, afname in die vrank smaak ("sagtheid van die tanniene), die ontwikkeling van die kleur van die wyn, toevoeging van komplementere hout boeketstowwe wat bydrae tot die kompleksiteit van die wyn, asook die stabilisering van die kollo"idale struktuur van die wyn. Die grootste nadeel bly, nieteenstaande, die geweldige koste verbonde aan vate, asook die hantering en onderhoud daarvan. Eike hout verwante boeketstowwe is 'n onmisbare komponent van die aroma profiel van baie kwaliteitswyne. Daar is 'n groeiende mark vir hierdie tipe wyne. Die gebruik van eikehout vate vir die veroudering van kwaliteitswyne, behalwe die bydrae van belangrike geurstowwe (een waarde), was nog altyd 'n tradisionele stap in die proses. Beroemde kelders reg oor die wereld het uitmuntende mark identiteite vir hulle self geskep, asook 'n "spesifieke identiteit" vir hulle wyn. Om enige beginsels aangaande die gebruik van eikehout te verander, sal sander twyfel die wynstyl verander en moontlik 'n negatiewe effek op die kelder se identiteit he. Hoofstuk 1 gee 'n inleiding en die hoof doelstellings van die studie. Die fenoliese samestelling van druiwe en eikehout bestaan uit 'n komplekse mengsel van verskillende molekules wat in Hoofstuk 2 beskryf word. Hierdie sluit in daardie verantwoordelik vir die kleur (antosianiene), die smaak (hoofsaaklik tanniene) en die aroma van die wyn. Die samestelling van die eikevat kan beinvloed deur die oorsprong, veroudering van die hout, roostering, ouderdom van die vat ens. Hierdie faktore beinvloed almal die samestelling van die houtvat (laktone, vlugtige fenole, hidroliseerbare tanniene ens.) en uiteindelik, die wyn. Die chemiese reaksies wat plaasvind tydens die veroudering van wyn is ook kompleks, wat die veroudering en navorsing van wyn in vate 'n komplekse proses kan maak. Die uitdaging, dus, het ontstaan om die organoleptiese profiel van die wyn (eikehout boeketstowwe) te behou en terselftertyd die produksiekoste van die wyn te verlaag. Die gebruik van eikehout verwante produkte soos skaafsels, blokkies, stawe en balke en selfs eikehout ekstrakte is aanbeveel, alhoewel dit gesien word as afvalprodukte van die kuiperye Een van die grootste nadele van eikehout alternatiewe produkte is egter die beperkte kwaliteitskontrole oor die produksieproses. Dit mag lei tot wisselvalligheid in die kwaliteit van hierdie produkte. Nieteenstaande het die gebruik van eike houtverwante produkte en die beskikbaarheid van hierdie produkte geweldig toegeneem en tesame daarmee die behoefte aan navorsing hieroor. Hoofstuk 3 bespreek resultate van die gebruik van verskillende eikehout tipe vate (Frans vs Russies vs Amerikaans), asook die gebruik van eikehout verwante produkte, op die kleur ontwikkeling, fenoliese samestelling en kwaliteit van Pinotage (eie aan Suid-Afrika) en Shiraz wyne gedurende vat en bottel veroudering. Die ontwikkeling van kleur het verskeie unieke dimensies en resultate wat verkry is in hierdie projek stem ooreen met literatuur. Die kleurdigtheid, persentasie rooi pigment en 802 weerstandbiedende pigmente het toegeneem met veroudering in houtvate (veral in die eerste drie tot ses maande) as gevolg van ellagitanniene wat geekstraeer word en gepolimerisasie, maar het later gedurende veroudering afgeneem as gevolg van presipitasie reaksies. In sekere gevalle het die kontak met hout die kleurdigtheid met tot 40% vermeerder. Die kleurdighteid, totale rooi pigmente en totale fenole het tydens bottelverouding afgeneem a.g.v. polimerisasie. Geen merkwaardige verskille kon egter tussen die verskillende vattipes gevind word nie. Verskille tussen die houtverwante produkte was ook klein en het diesefde tendense getoon as die vate. Nuwe vate se impak op die kleurprofiel en ontwikkeling van verouderde rooiwyne was egter meer beduidenswaardig as die gebruik van gebruikte vate en behandelings met eikehout verwante produkte. Die gelatien indeks verwys na die toestand van polimerisasie van tanniene. Hoer waardes kan verwag word in jong wyne en dui op hoogs reaktiewe tanniene. Die waarde sal afneem soos tanniene polimere vorm met veroudering en sal dus 'n veel minder vrank mondgevoel tot gevolg he. Klein verskille tussen die vat tipes (Frans vs Amerikaans vs Russies) is opgemerk in die een Shiraz, maar in die twee Pinotage wyne was die indeks die laagste in die wyne verouder in Franse eikehout na 36 maande se bottelveroudering. Sensoriese toetse het aangedui dat daar klein verskille gevind is tussen die verskillende eiketipes. Die wyn verouder in Amerikaanse eik het, in die algemeen, 'n sterker eikehoutkarakter gehad na 36 maande bottelveroudering. Wyn verouder met verskillende alternatiewe houtprodukte het aangetoon dat eikehouskaafels in vate 'n sterker eikehoutkarakter aan die wyn gegee het met 'n laer vrugtige aroma in vergelyking met die ander behandelings. Dieselfde wyn verouder in nuwe vate het oak, soos verwag, 'n sterk hout boeket gehad in vergelyking met die verouder in ouer vate. Dit het dan oak gelei dat laasgenoemde wyne 'n sterker vrug aroma gehad het. Veroudering van wit wyne op moer is 'n algemene praktyk, alhoewel dit minder toegepas word op rooiwyne as gevolg van verwante gevare. Hoofstuk 4 bespreek die effek van moerkontak op die mikrobiese en kleursamestelling van rooiwyn tydens 12 maande se houtveroudering. Geen noemenswaardige verskille is egter verkry tussen die wyne verouder op die moer en die filtreerde wyne vir asynsuur-, melksuurbateriee en gisgetalle nie. Aanvanklike pH verskille tydens koue masserasie en alkoholiese fermentasie het egter hierdie getalle beinvloed, met hoer ·getalle verkry in die hoer pH wyn. Die wyne wat appelmelksuurgisting in die vate ondergaan het en verouder is op die moer het egter 'n laer konsentrasie geelbruin pigmente (gemeet by 420 nm) as die gefiltreerde wyne. Ander kleurverskille sluit in hoer kleurdigtheid en totale rooi pigmente as gevolg van langer dopkontak (stadiger alkoholiese fermentasie). Manipulering van die doppe voor en tydens alkoholiese gisting, die gebruik van eikehoutvate of eikehoutverwante produkte, of kombinasies daarvan tydens verskillende produksie fases en ander praktyke soos moer kontak, kan dus gebruik word am 'n sekere styl wyn op markversoek daar te stel. Hoofstuk 5 som die resultate op, asook toekomstige navorsingsmoontlikhede wat op die gebied van hout en wyn gedoen kan word. Hierdie studie het egter duidelik aangedui dat die eikehout oorsprong en tipe die kleur nie so baie beinvloed soos die aroma en smaak van die wyn onder Suid-Afrikaanse kondisies nie.

Constituents of the wine matrix, including ethanol, affect adsorption of sulfur volatiles on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers, which can impact sensitivity and accuracy of volatile sulfur analysis in wine. Several common wine sulfur volatiles, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol (MeSH), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), diethyl disulfide (DEDS), methyl thioacetate (MeSOAc), and ethyl thioacetate (EtSOAc), have been analyzed with multiple internal standards using SPME-GC equipped with pulsed-flame photometric detection (PFPD) at various concentrations of ethanol, volatile-, and non-volatile-matrix components in synthetic wine samples. All compounds exhibit a stark decrease in detectability with the addition of ethanol, especially between 0.0 and 0.5%v/v, but the ratio of standard to internal standard was more stable when alcohol concentration was greater than 1%. Addition of volatile matrix components yields a similar decrease but the standard-to-internal-standard ratio was consistent, suggesting the volatile matrix did not affect the quantification of volatile sulfur compounds in wine. Non-volatile wine matrix appears to have negligible effect on sensitivity. Based on analyte:internal standard ratios, DMS can be accurately measured against ethyl methyl sulfide (EMS), the thioacetates and DMDS with diethyl sulfide (DES), and H₂S, MeSH, DEDS, and DMTS with diisopropyl disulfide (DIDS) in wine with proper dilution. The developed method was then used to quantify sulfur compounds in 21 various California wines. H₂S and MeSH were found in higher concentrations in white varietals, while DMS was slightly higher in red varietals, particularly cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Trace amounts of DEDS and MeSOAc were found in almost all wines. DMS and DMTS were found in all wines, in some instances above reported thresholds. / Graduation date: 2012

This research investigated the effects of Pediococcus spp. on Oregon Pinot noir wines. Pediococcus (P. parvulus (7), P. damnosus (1), P. inopinatus (1)) isolated from Oregon and Washington state wines demonstrated differences in their susceptibility to SO��� with some isolates growing well in model media at 0.4 mg/L molecular SO���. All isolates were all able to degrade p-coumaric acid to 4-vinyl phenol. The conversion of p-coumaric acid to 4-VP by pediococci resulted in accelerated production of 4-EP by B. bruxellensis in a model system. Growth of the pediococci isolates in Pinot noir wine resulted in a number of chemical and sensory changes occurring compared to the control. Very low concentrations of biogenic amines were measured in the wines with only wine inoculated with P. inopinatus OW-8 having greater than 5 mg/L. D-lactic acid production varied between isolates with OW-7 producing the highest concentration (264 mg/L). Diacetyl content of the wines also varied greatly. Some wines contained very low levels of diacetyl (< 0.5 mg/L) while others contained very high concentrations (> 15 mg/L) that were well above sensory threshold. Despite suggestions to the contrary in the literature, glycerol was not degraded by any of the isolates in this study. Color and polymeric pigment content of the wines also varied with wine inoculated with OW-7 containing 30% less polymeric pigment than the control. This may be related to acetaldehyde as a number of Pediococcus isolates, including OW-7, reduced the acetaldehyde content of the wine. Sensory analysis revealed differences in the aroma and mouthfeel of the wines compared to each other and to the control. In particular growth of some isolates produced wines with higher intensities of butter, plastic, and vegetal aromas while other also had lower perceived astringency. / Graduation date: 2013

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Wine is a complex medium. Wine aroma, flavour and colour are important quality factors, but these can be influenced by many factors, such as grape-derived compounds that exist as free volatiles and also as glycosidically bound. The chemical composition of wine is determined by factors such as grape variety, geographic position, viticulture condition, microbial ecology of the grape and the winemaking process. The varietals aroma is determined by both the volatile and the non-volatile compounds, such as monoterpenes, norisoprenoids and benzene derivatives, which are naturally present in the wine. Monoterpenes are very important in the flavour and aroma of grapes and wine. They can be found in grapes and wine either in the free, volatile and odorous form, or in the glycosidically-bound, non-volatile and non-odorous form. The ratio of glycosidically-bound compounds to free aroma compounds is very high in the Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Riesling cultivars in particular. The glycosidic bonds can be hydrolysed either by the acid method or by using enzymes. The acid method is disadvantageous because it can modify the monoterpenes, whereas enzymatic hydrolysis has the advantage of not modifying the aroma character. The enzyme method of breaking the glycosidic bonds occurs in two successive steps: initial separation of glucose from the terminal sugar by a hydrolase (a-L-arabinofuranosidase, a-L-rhamnosidase or β-apiosidase, depending on the aglycone moiety), followed by the breaking of the bond between the aglycone and glucose by β-glucosidase. The enzyme β-glucosidase can be obtained from many plant (Vitis vinifera), bacterial, yeast or fungal sources. Most of the enzymes produced by these sources are not functional under the winemaking conditions of low pH, low temperature, high glucose and high ethanol content. However, β-glucosidases from fungal origins, particularly from Aspergillus spp., are tolerant of winemaking conditions. The idea of using the β-glucosidase gene from the fungus Aspergillus kawachii (BGLA), which is linked to the cell wall and the free β-glucosidase, was to determine if anchoring the enzyme to the cell wall will increase the activity of the enzyme compared to the free enzyme. Four plasmids, pCEL 16, pCEL 24, pDLG 97 and pDLG 98, were used in this study. BGLA that was cloned into the plasmids pCEL 24 and pDLG 97 was linked to CWP2, and in pDLG 98 it was linked to AGa1 anchor domains. All the plasmids were genome-integrated and expressed in the reference strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae 303-1A. All the transformants were grown in 2% cellobiose and showed higher biomass production compared to the reference strain. β-Glucosidase activity was also assayed and transformed strain W16 showed a fourfold increase in activity compared to the reference strain. There was no significant increase in the activity of the other transformed strains, W24, W97 and W98. Enzymatic characterisation for optimum pH and temperature was done – for all strains the optimum pH was 4 and the optimum temperature was 40ºC. The recombinant strains together with the reference strain were used to make wine from Gewürztraminer grapes. The levels of numerous monoterpenes were enhanced in the resultant wines. The concentration of nerol was increased fourfold, that of citronellol twofold, and geraniol was 20% higher than in the wild type. There was also an increase in the levels of linalool and a-terpinol, but this was not significant. In wines produced with W97, W98 and W24, monoterpene levels did not show a significant difference. In future, the expression of the W16 expression cassette in an industrial wine yeast strain could be performed. In combination with the production of enzymes such as a-arabinofuranosidase, a-rhamnosidase and β-apiosidase, which are involved in the first step of enzymatic hydrolysis, this wine strain could release the bound monoterpenes and enhance the aroma of the wine. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Wyn is ‘n komplekse medium. Wynaroma, -geur en -kleur is belangrike kwaliteitsfaktore, hoewel hierdie kwaliteite deur verskeie faktore beïnvloed kan word, soos druifafgeleide verbindings wat as vry vlugtige stowwe teenwoordig kan wees of glikosidies gebind is. Die chemiese samestelling van wyn word bepaal deur faktore soos druifvariëteit, geografiese ligging, wingerdkundige toestande, mikrobiese ekologie van die druif en die wynbereidingsproses. Die variëteitsaroma word bepaal deur vlugtige en nie-vlugtige verbindings, soos monoterpene, norisoprenoïede en benseenderivate, wat natuurlik in die wyn voorkom. Monoterpene is baie belangrik vir die geur en aroma van druiwe en wyn. Monoterpene is teenwoordig in die druiwe en wyn in vry, vlugtige en geurige, of in glikosidiesgebinde, nie-vlugtige en nie-geurige vorms. Die verhouding van glikosidiesgebonde verbindings tot vry aromaverbindings is baie hoog, veral in die Gewürztraminer-, Muscat- en Riesling-kultivars. Glikosidiese verbindings kan deur óf die suurmetode óf die ensiemmetode gehidroliseer word. Die nadeel van die suurmetode is dat dit monoterpene kan modifiseer, terwyl die ensiemmetode die voordeel het dat dit nie die aromakarakter modifiseer nie. Die ensiemmetode waarmee die glikosidiese verbinding afgebreek word, vind in twee opeenvolgende stappe plaas: aanvanklike skeiding van glukose van die terminale suiker deur ‘n hidrolase (a-L-arabinofuranosidase, a-Lramnosidase of β-apiosidase, afhangende van die aglikoongedeelte), gevolg deur die verbreking van die verbinding tussen die aglikoon en glukose deur β- glukosidase. Die β-glukosidase-ensiem kan vanaf ‘n verskeidenheid plant- (Vitis vinifera), bakterie-, gis- en swambronne verkry word. Die meerderheid van die ensieme wat deur hierdie bronne geproduseer word, is nie onder die wynbereidingstoestande van lae pH, hoë temperatuur, hoë glukose en hoë etanol funksioneel nie. β- Glukosidase vanaf ‘n swamoorsprong, veral vanaf Aspergillus-spesies, kan egter wynbereidingstoestande verdra. Die idee agter die gebruik van die β-glukosidasegeen afkomstig van die swam Aspergillus kawachii (BGLA), wat aan die selwand en die vry β-glukosidase gekoppel is, was om te bepaal of die aktiwiteit van die ensiem in vergelyking met dié van die vry ensiem verhoog sou word indien die ensiem aan die selwand geanker is. Vier plasmiede, pCEL 16, pCEL 24, pDLG 97 en pDLG 98, is in hierdie studie gebruik. BGLA, wat in die plasmiede pCEL 24 en pDLG 97 gekloneer is, is gekoppel aan CWP2, en in pDLG 98 is dit aan AGa1-ankergebiede gekoppel. Al die plasmiede is in verwysingsras Saccharomyces cerevisiae 303-1A genoomgeïntegreer en uitgedruk. Al die transformante is in 2% sellobiose gegroei en het hoër biomassaproduksie as die verwysingsras getoon. β-Glukosidaseaktiwiteit is ook geëssaieer en die getransformeerde ras W16 het ‘n viervoudige verhoging in aktiwiteit in vergelyking met die verwysingsras getoon. Daar was geen noemenswaardige verhoging in die aktiwiteit van die ander getransformeerde rasse, W24, W97 en W98, nie. Ensimatiese karakterisering vir optimum-pH en - temperatuur is gedoen – vir al die rasse was die optimum-pH 4 en die optimumtemperatuur 40ºC. Die rekombinante rasse, tesame met die verwysingsras, is gebruik om wyn met Gewürtztraminer-druiwe te maak. Die vlakke van talryke monoterpene is in die gevolglike wyne verhoog. Die konsentrasie van nerol is viervoudig verhoog, dié van sitronellol tweevoudig, en geraniol was 20% hoër as in die wilde tipe. Daar was ook ‘n verhoging in die vlakke van linaloöl en a-terpinol, maar hierdie verhoging was nie noemenswaardig nie. In wyne wat met W97, W98 en W24 gemaak is, het die monoterpeenvlakke nie ‘n noemenswaardige verskil getoon nie. In die toekoms sal die uitdrukking van die W16-uitdrukkingskasset in ‘n industriële wyngisras uitgevoer kan word. In kombinasie met die produksie van ensieme soos a-arabinofuranosidase, a-ramnosidase, β-apiosidase, wat in die eerste stap van ensimatiese hidrolise betrokke is, sal hierdie wyngisras die gebonde monoterpene kan vrylaat en die aroma van die wyn kan verbeter.

Thesis (MSc (Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The PGU1 gene encodes an endo-polygalacturonase, an enzyme that degrades pectin. Although the presence and function of this gene is well characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, its regulation is very complex and not yet fully understood. Yeast producing a highly active polygalacturonase (PG) during alcoholic fermentation could potentially improve filtration and turbidity and also enhance extraction of certain aroma compounds. This could replace the addition of expensive commercial enzyme preparations that often contain unwanted enzymes. The first objective of this study was to evaluate PGU1 expression in recombinant strains of S. cerevisiae that originally lacked the PGU1 gene. A functional PGU1 gene and its promoter were successfully re-introduced into their native position in the genomes of five wine strains. Three of these strains recovered PG activity while two did not transcribe the gene and subsequently lacked activity. The three strains that recovered activity were used in microvinification experiments to determine the effect of PG-producing yeast on the aroma profile of the wine. No significant differences were observed in the volatile compounds production between the recombinants and their respective wild types, but some tendencies arose, especially for the monoterpene geraniol. The second objective of this study was to analyze the PGU1 gene and promoter from Saccharomyces paradoxus RO88 (a strain that exhibits high PG activity) and to compare it to those of S. cerevisiae S288C in order to identify differences that could potentially be responsible for the difference in their PG activities. Comparison of the gene sequences revealed several amino acid differences, one of which was in the peptide secretion signal. Analyses of the promoters also indicated some potentially important differences. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae strain VIN13, RO88 as well as two interspecies hybrids (all displaying varying PG activities) were compared under winemaking conditions. Clear differences were observed for the production of certain compounds. RO88 and the hybrids produced higher concentrations of certain volatile compounds, although they were not strong fermenters. Two recombinants, each containing a PGU1-overexpressing plasmid (one with the PGU1 gene from S. paradoxus and the other from S. cerevisiae), were also used in vinification to determine the effects of the different PGU1 gene on the aroma profile of the wine. Unfortunately, the plasmids were unstable and lost during the fermentation. Nevertheless, some tendencies were observed that indicated possible higher production of certain compounds by the recombinants compared to their wild types. This study identified that regulation of the PGU1 gene differs between strains with different genetic backgrounds. Certain differences were observed in the PGU1 gene and promoter sequences between S. cerevisiae and S. paradoxus that could potentially be the reason for the difference in their PG activities. From an oenological point of view, the presence of PGU1 in the genome of a fermenting strain tends to increase the aromatic potential of wine. These results provide a good platform for further studies on the PGU1 gene.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The distinctive varietal flavour of wines is a combination of absolute and relative concentrations of chemical compounds. Volatile compounds are responsible for the odour of wine and non-volatiles cause the sensation of flavour. Accompanying these senses, a third, tactile, sense of ‘mouth-feel’ is recognizable. This forms the complete organoleptic quality of wine. Several hundred different compounds are simultaneously responsible for the odour release in wine, and since there is no real character impact compound, the aroma of wine can be described as a delicate balance of all these compounds. One of the most important groups of volatiles is the monoterpenes, which play a role in both aroma and flavour. This is especially significant for the Muscat varieties, but these flavour compounds are also present in other non-muscat grape varieties, where they supplement the varietal aroma. Monoterpenes occur in wine as free, volatile and odorous molecules, as well as flavourless non-volatile glycosidic complexes. The latter slowly releases monoterpenes by acidic hydrolysis, but the impact on varietal aroma is considered insufficient for wines that are consumed young. It is therefore important to supplement the release mechanism, in order to enhance the varietal aroma of the wine. The enzymatic hydrolysis mechanism functions in two successive steps: firstly, depending on the precursor, the glycosidic linkage is cleaved by α-L-arabinofuranosidase, α-L-rhamnosidase, β-D-xylosidase or β-D-apiosidase. The second step involves the liberation of the monoterpene alcohol by a β-glucosidase. This enzymatic hydrolysis does not influence the intrinsic aromatic characteristics of the wine, as opposed to acid hydrolysis. Pectolytic enzymes play an important role in cell elongation, softening of tissue and decomposition of plant material. These enzymes are used to improve juice yields, release colour and flavour compounds from grape skins, as well as improve clarification and filterability. Pectolytic enzymes work synergistically to break down pectins in wine. Protopectinase produce water-soluble and highly polymerised pectin substances from protopectin, it acts on non-methylated galacturonic acid units. Pectin methylesterase split methyl ester groups from the polygalacturonic chain. Polygalacturonase break down the glycosidic links between galacturonic acid units. Pectin and pectate lyases have a β-eliminative attack on the chain and it results in the formation of a double bond between C4 and C5 in the terminal residues. From the above it can be seen that enzymes play a pivotal role in the winemaking process. Unfortunately, in winemaking a lot of factors can influence the effects of enzymes. One possible factor in the wine medium is the presence of acidprotease, from yeast and/or fungal origin. This type of enzyme utilizes other enzymes as substrates and renders them useless. Pure enzyme preparations were used to study the interactions of a yeast acid-protease and a report activity (β-glucosidase) in vitro. A bottled wine and a buffer were used as in vitro conditions. Enzyme assays were performed to determine the relative activity over a number of days. The results indicated that even though both enzymes showed activity in both the media, the yeast protease did not have any significantly affect on the report activity. Subsequently wine was made from Sauvignon blanc grapes, with varying enzyme preparation additions. Enzyme assays were performed during the fermentation; and chemical, as well as sensory analysis were done on the stabilized wine. The results confirmed that the yeast protease did not have any significant affect on the report activity in these conditions. The protease’s inability to affect the report activity seems unlikely due to the fact that it is active at a low pH range and has been suggested as the only protease to survive the fermentation process. It seems possible that a winerelated factor, possibly ethanol, is responsible. Thus it seems that yeast protease does not threaten the use of commercial enzymes in the winemaking process in any significant way. Future work would entail more detailed enzyme studies of interactions between protease, both from yeast and fungal origin, and other report activities in specified conditions. The degradation capability could be directed towards unwanted enzyme activities that cause oxidation and browning of the must. The characterization of interactions between protease and β-glucosidase activities may hold key to producing wines with enhanced aroma and colour potential, as well as the elimination of unwanted enzyme activities. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die herkenbare kultivar karakter van wyn is ‘n kombinasie van absolute en relatiewe konsentrasies van verskeie chemiese komponente. Vlugtige komponente is verantwoordelik vir die geur, of aroma, van wyn en die nie-vlugtige komponente veroorsaak die sensasie van smaak. ‘n Derde, fisiese sensasie, die ‘mondgevoel’, is ook herkenbaar. Dit vorm die omvattende organoleptiese kwaliteit van die wyn. ‘n Paar honderd verskillende komponente is gelyktydig verantwoordelik vir die aroma vrystelling in wyn en omdat daar geen werklike karakter ‘impak’ komponent is nie, kan die aroma van wyn beskryf word as ‘n delikate balans van al die betrokke komponente. Een van die mees belangrike groepe vlugtige komponente is die monoterpene wat ‘n rol speel in beide aroma en smaak. Dit is veral belangrik by Muskaat kultivars, maar hierdie aroma komponente is ook teenwoordig in niemuskaat druif kultivars, waar hulle bydra tot die kultivar karakter en aroma. Monoterpene kom in wyn voor as vry, vlugtige en aromatiese molekules en in geurlose, nie-vlugtige glikosidies-gebonde komplekse. Die gebonde vorm word stadig vrygestel deur ‘n suurhidrolise, maar dit word as onvoldoende beskou vir wyne wat vroeg gedrink word. Dit is dus belangrik dat die vrystelling van geurstowwe verhoog word om die kultivar karakter van die wyn te versterk. Die ensiematiese hidrolise proses behels twee opeenvolgende stappe: eerstens, afhangende van die aard van die voorloper, word die glikosidiese verbinding deur α-L-arabinofuranosidase, α-Lramnosidase, β-D-xilosidase, of β-D-apiosidase gebreek. In die tweede stap word die monoterpeen-alkohol deur β-glukosidase vrygestel. Hierdie ensiematiese afbraak proses verander nie die intrinsieke aromatiese kenmerke van die wyn, soos met suurhidrolise die geval is nie. Pektolitiese ensieme speel ‘n fundamentele rol in selverlenging, sagwording en afbraak van plant materiaal. Hierdie ensieme word gebruik om sap opbrengs te verhoog, aroma en smaak komponente vry te stel uit die doppe, asook om sapverheldering en filtrasie te verbeter. Die pektolitiese ensieme werk op ‘n sinergistiese wyse om pektien in wyn af te breek. Protopektinase produseer wateroplosbare en hoogs gepolimeriseerde pektien uit protopektien, slegs uit niegemetileerde galakturoonsuur eenhede. Pektien metielesterase verwyder metielester groepe van die poligalakturoonsuurketting. Die glikosidiese bindings tussen galakturoonsuur eenhede word deur poligalakturonase afgebreek. Pektien- en pektaat-liase het ‘n β-eliminasie aanslag op die ketting en as gevolg daarvan word dubbelbindings tussen C4 en C5 in die terminale residue gevorm. Vanuit bogenoemde is dit dus duidelik dat ensieme ‘n kardinale rol speel in die wynbereidingsproses. Ongelukkig is daar ‘n verskeidenhied van faktore wat die werking van ensieme in die wynbereidingsproses kan beïnvloed. Een moontlike faktor is die teenwoordigheid van ‘n suur-protease, van fungisidiese en/of gis oorsprong, in die wynmedium, omdat dit ander ensieme as substraat kan benut en degradeer. Suiwer ensiem preparate is gebruik om die ensiem interaksie tussen ‘n gis suur-protease en ‘n verslag aktiwiteit (β-glukosidase) in vitro te ondersoek. ‘n Gebotteleerde wyn en ‘n buffer is gebruik om die in vitro kondisies na te boots. Relatiewe ensiem aktiwiteit is ontleed oor ‘n aantal dae. Beide die ensieme het aktiwiteit getoon in die media, maar gis protease het geen statisties beduidende invloed gehad op die aktiwiteit van die verslag ensiem nie. Daaropvolgend is wyn berei van Sauvignon blanc druiwe, met verskillende ensiempreparaat toevoegings. Die ensiemaktiwiteit is deurlopend tydens fermentasie gemeet. Na afloop van stabilisasie is chemiese, sowel as sensoriese ontledings op die wyn gedoen. Die resultate het bevestig dat gis protease, onder hierdie kondisies, geen beduidende invloed op die verslag aktiwiteit gehad het nie. Die protease se onvermoë om die verslag aktiwiteit beduidend te beinvloed blyk onwaarskynlik aangesien die suurprotease aktief is by lae pH vlakke en dit as die enigste protease voorgestel is wat die fermentasie proses kan oorleef. Dit blyk asof ‘n wyn-verwante faktor, moontlik etanol, hiervoor verantwoordelik kan wees. Dus hou protease geen gevaar in vir die gebruik van kommersiële ensieme in wynbereiding nie. Navorsing kan in die toekoms fokus op meer gedetailleerde ensiem interaksie studies tussen protease en ander ensiem aktiwiteite, in gespesifiseerde kondisies. Die degradasie kapasiteit kan moontlik aangewend word om ongewenste ensiem aktiwiteite, wat byvoorbeeld oksidasie en verbruining veroorsaak, te verminder. Die karakterisering van die interaksies tussen protease en β-glukosidase kan dus die sleutel wees tot die produksie van wyne met verhoogde aroma potensiaal, asook die eliminasie van ongewenste ensiematiese aktiwiteite.

Thesis (Msc (Viticulture and Oenology. Institute for Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / Monoterpenes are important aroma compounds in certain grape varieties such as Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Riesling and are present as either odourless, glycosidically bound complexes or as free aromatic monoterpenes. These complexes occur as monoglucosides or, when present as diglycosides, most commonly as 6-O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-β-D-glucopyranosides of mainly linalool, geraniol, nerol and citronellol. The release of monoterpenes from non-volatile glycosidically bound precursors occurs either by acid hydrolysis or enzymatic hydrolysis. High temperature acid hydrolysis causes a rearrangement of the monoterpene aglycones and a decrease in the aroma and changes in the aromatic characteristics of monoterpenes and is therefore not suitable. Enzymatic hydrolysis does not modify the monoterpene aglycones and can be an efficent method to release potentially volatile monoterpenes. α-L-arabinofuranosidase and β-glucosidase are important enzymes responsible for the liberation of monoterpene alcohols from their glycosides. Glycosidases from Vitis vinifera and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are severely inhibited by winemaking conditions and this leads to unutilized aroma potential, while commercial preparations of aroma liberating enzymes are crude extracts that often have unwanted and unpredictable side effects. It is therefore of interest to investigate alternative measures to release glycosidically bound monoterpenes to increase the floral aroma of wine without side activities that impact negatively on wine. Heterologous α-L-arabinofuranosidases and β-glucosidases have previously been expressed in S. cerevisiae and these studies have evaluated and found increased glycosidic activities against both natural and synthetic substrates. In this study, we expressed the Aspergillus awamori α-L-arabinofuranosidase (AwAbfB) in combination with either the β-glucosidases Bgl2 from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera or the BglA from Aspergillus kawachii in the industrial yeast strain S. cerevisiae VIN13 to facilitate the sequential enzymatic hydrolysis of monoterpene diglycosides. Enzyme assays and GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector) results show a significant increase in the amount of free monoterpene concentrations under winemaking conditions in the strain co-expressing the AwAbfB and the Bgl2. The increases in free monoterpene levels obtained were similar to those obtained with a commercial enzyme preparation, LAFAZYM AROM. Sensorial evaluation confirmed the improvement in the wine aroma profile, particularly the floral character. This yeast strain permits a single culture fermentation which improves the sensorial quality and complexity of wine. Further investigations on the factors influencing the stability and reactivity of monoterpenes during alcoholic fermentation are needed.

Thesis (Msc (Viticulture and Oenology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Among the factors contributing to wine complexity and quality, wine aroma is one of the most important factors. Wine aroma is the outcome of interaction among different compounds produced from the grapes, during fermentation as well as during the ageing process. Apart from its origin from grapes, fungi and yeasts, wine aroma can also be derived from the metabolic activity of wine lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These microorganisms are usually associated with malolactic fermentation (MLF) which normally occurs after alcoholic fermentation. MLF is beneficial to wine due to its contribution to deacidification, microbiological stabilisation and wine aroma formation, with the latter being the most important area of interest in our study. The production of volatile aromatic components in wine can, in part, be achieved through the hydrolytic action of enzymes produced by LAB associated with wine. These enzymes include β-glucosidase, protease, esterase, lipase and glucanase. Most of the work done on bacterial enzymes has been on LAB from food sources other than wine, in which these enzymes contribute to the flavour development of some cheeses, yoghurt and other fermented foods. The activity of these enzymes during wine fermentation has mostly been concerned with β-glucosidase from Oenococcus oeni. Only in recent years has there been a renewed interest in evaluating the activity of β-glucosidase in other genera of wine LAB. The overriding goal of this study was to screen and characterise wine-related enzymes produced by LAB associated with wine. All the LAB isolates tested in this study were obtained from IWBT culture collection and were previously isolated from five different wineries situated in the Western Cape region, South Africa. We first screened isolates using classical methods. The isolates were grown on agar medium supplemented with appropriate substrate analogues in order to evaluate the activity of enzymes (i.e. β- glucosidase, glucanase, lipase and esterase). The colonies exhibiting enzymatic activity ...