Influence of vinification treatments on aroma constituents and sensory descriptors of Pinot noir wines

Three vinification methods were compared to assess their effects on chemical composition, sensory descriptors, and headspace volatile constituents of Pinot noir wines. Two methods involved standard vinification at fermentation temperatures of 20 degrees C (VM1) and 30 degrees C (VM2), respectively, while the third method (VM3) included a two-stage pre-fermentation treatment involving heat extraction, followed by fermentation at 15 degrees C in contact with bentonite. VM2 produced wines with highest color intensity, currant aroma, and currant flavor. VM3 wines, however, contained twice the concentration of anthocyanins of VM1 and VM2 wines, and possessed the most intense fruity aroma and flavor. Total ester concentration was four-fold higher in VM3 compared to VM1 and VM2. Several esters were responsible for this difference but isoamyl acetate was particularly dominant.