Untargeted Metabolomics Discriminates Grapes and Wines from Two Syrah Vineyards Located in the Same Wine Region

A key finding from this study is the identification of chrysanthemin, an anthocyanin, as a putative biomarker distinguishing Syrah wines from two vineyards within the same terroir. Using untargeted metabolomics and ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-ToF-MS/MS), researchers analyzed over 40 compounds, including phenolic compounds and organic acids, across grapes, must, and wine samples. The study revealed that while metabolic profiles evolved similarly during fermentation, site-specific differences in metabolite intensity were observed, particularly for chrysanthemin. Sensory analysis further indicated that wines from one terroir scored higher in quality. This research underscores the potential of metabolomics to assess grape and wine quality, as well as its association with terroir, offering insights into the complex interplay between vineyard conditions and sensory properties.

Baleiras-Couto, M. M., Guedes, R., Duarte, F. L., Fortes, A. M., & Serralheiro, M.-L. (2023). Untargeted Metabolomics Discriminates Grapes and Wines from Two Syrah Vineyards Located in the Same Wine Region. Fermentation, 9(2), 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9020145