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A method for estimating Dekkera/Brettanomyces populations in wines
Author(s) -
Benito S.,
Palomero F.,
Morata A.,
Calderón F.,
SuárezLepe J.A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.04137.x
Subject(s) - dept , library science , humanities , philosophy , medicine , computer science , immunology
Aims: The formation of ethylphenols in wines, a consequence of Dekkera/Brettanomyces metabolism, can affect their quality. The main aims of this work were to further our knowledge of Dekkera/Brettanomyces with respect to ethylphenol production, and to develop a methodology for detecting this spoilage yeast and for estimating its population size in wines using differential‐selective media and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Methods and Results: This work examines the reduction of p ‐coumaric acid and the formation of 4‐vinylphenol and 4‐ethylphenol (recorded by HPLC‐DAD) in a prepared medium because of the activities of different yeast species and populations. A regression model was constructed for estimating the population of Dekkera/Brettanomyces at the beginning of fermentation via the conversion of hydroxycinnamic acids into ethylphenols. Conclusions: The proposed methodology allows the populations of Dekkera/Brettanomyces at the beginning of fermentation to be estimated in problem wines. Moreover, it avoids false positives because of yeasts resistant to the effects of the selective elements of the medium. Significance and Impact of the Study: This may help prevent the appearance of organoleptic anomalies in wines at the winery level.