Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inoculation enhanced the color stabilization and aroma quality of blueberry wine

Inoculation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum before yeast has the potential to affect the blueberry wine quality. The effects of four L. plantarum strains on the anthocyanins and volatile profile of blueberry wine were studied. Different L. plantarum inoculated wines presented a great color variation, and B3 strain was able to retain more bluish hue of blueberry wine. Compared with RF wine fermented by only Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, L. plantarum inoculated wines exhibited a better preservation of monomeric and acylated anthocyanins. More importantly, inoculation of L. plantarum, especially for B3 and B4 strains, enhanced the accumulation of pyranoanthocyanins, which may improve the color stability of blueberry wine. In addition, inoculation with L. plantarum favored the formation of lactate-related esters, acetoin, C-6 alcohols, terpenes, aldehydes, and volatile phenols. Flash-Profile analysis indicated that B3, B4 and SS6 strains conferred wines more sour and astringent tastes, along with more 'fruity' and 'chemical' aromas.