Quality and volatile compounds in red wine at different degrees of dealcoholization by membrane process

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of different degrees of dealcoholization on volatile compounds, phenols and sensory characteristics of red wine (cv. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo). The wine with an initial alcohol content of 13.2% v/v was partially dealcoholized by membrane process with a decrease of alcohol degree as follows: - 4.9; - 6.3; - 7.8, - 9.2 and - 10.5% v/v. Osmotic distillation has proved effective in preserving a satisfactory odorous profile, as samples with an alcohol residue of 8.3% v/v (- 4.9%) and 6.9% v/v (- 6.3%) showed good esters retention: more than 84% and 82%, respectively. Similarly, colour and taste, evaluated by flavonoids and phenolic compounds, remained almost unchanged in all dealcoholized samples. Lastly, the trials highlighted that dealcoholized wine up to an alcohol content of about 5.4% v/v (- 7.8%) was still perceived as acceptable by the tasters.