Influence of amino acids, and their interaction with volatiles and polyphenols, on the sensory properties of red wine

Background and Aims: The effect of amino acids, and their interactions with volatiles and other non-volatiles, on in-mouth sensory properties of red wines is not known. This knowledge gap has been studied in a series of comprehensive sensory experiments. Methods and Results: A solvent-assisted flavour evaporation extract of Shiraz wine volatiles, a de-aromatised polyphenolic extract and amino acids were added to model wine and wine systems. Using full factorial designs, samples were evaluated by sensory quantitative descriptive analysis. Volatiles enhanced Viscous mouthfeel (F = 20.0, P < 0.001), Sweetness (F = 26.5, P < 0.001) and Body (F = 81.4, P < 0.001), while the phenolic extract directed Astringency (F = 170.5, P < 0.001) as well as Bitterness (F = 7.3, P < 0.001) and suppressed Sweetness (F = 16.5, P < 0.001). An amino acid by volatile interaction (F = 4.2, P < 0.05) was found, and further experiments showed that L-proline enhanced Viscosity (F = 5.0, P < 0.05), Sweetness (F = 14.4, P < 0.001), Red fruit flavour (F = 7.8, P < 0.001) and suppressed Astringency (F = 6.1, P < 0.05) and Bitterness (F = 7.0, P < 0.01), while L-glutamic acid imparted an Umami taste (F = 5.0, P < 0.05) at wine-like concentration. Conclusions: For the first time, these causal experiments showed that amino acids can influence the taste, mouthfeel and flavour of red wine. Significance of the Study: This work provides insight into a new class of wine compounds of sensory significance that can be targeted by producers to directly influence wine flavour.