Abstract Detail

Ecology/Pathology

Scholl, Chrysal [1], Stone, Morgan [1], Tantikachornkiat, Mansak [1], Neuner, Marissa [1], Morgan, Sydney [1], Durall, Daniel M. [1].

Yeast diversity and composition in spontaneous fermentations of two varietals at multiple Canadian wineries.

Spontaneous fermentations are relatively rare among wineries in North America, with winemakers choosing inoculated fermentations to ensure a consistent, reproducible product. However, spontaneous fermentations are known to produce more complex wines, because they allow a diversity of yeast species and strains to participate in the fermentation. There is currently a lack of knowledge about yeast communities in spontaneous fermentations among white and red varietals. Some studies indicate that the use of commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains used at a winery reduces the diversity of indigenous S. cerevisiae strains fermenting the wine must. The overall objective of this study was to compare S. cerevisiae strain diversity and composition between Pinot noir and Chardonnay spontaneous fermentations at multiple wineries. Three fermentation vessels were sampled for each varietal at each of the wineries. Samples were taken from each vessel at three stages of fermentation, as defined by Brix° levels. Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates were identified to the strain level using microsatellite loci. A positive relationship was found between the number of commercial yeast strains used at a winery and the diversity of commercial strains in Pinot noir but not in Chardonnay fermentations. A negative relationship was also found between the number of commercial strains used at a winery and the diversity of indigenous strains in Pinot noir fermentation, whereas the opposite trend was found in Chardonnay fermentations. Furthermore, yeast assemblages were unique for each winery and varietal.

1 - University of British Columbia, Biology, 3333 University Way, Science Building, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada

Keywords:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Wine
Population dynamics.

Presentation Type: Offered Paper - Paper
Session: 16
Location: Room 104 AB/Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Date: Wednesday, June 11th, 2014
Time: 10:30 AM
Number: 16001
Abstract ID:96
Candidate for Awards:None