Exogenous Aromatic Contaminations: From Eucalyptol to Exhaust Gases

Technical Contents:

The presentation examines two types of exogenous contamination: exhaust gases (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, benzene, ethylene) in vineyards near high-traffic roads or from internal combustion machinery in wineries. Analysis of chemical stability of these compounds and consumer health implications, despite limited organoleptic detectability.a.

Eucalyptus Case:

Australian study on vineyards in the Blue Forest (New South Wales) and Portuguese vineyards (Coimbra-Porto region) near eucalyptus monocultures. Absorption mechanism of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) through berry skin by direct diffusion during pre-veraison stages, when bloom formation is still limited. Concentration gradient as a function of distance from eucalyptus trees.

Tissue Distribution:

Analysis of cineole concentration in different berry parts: leaves, petioles, skin. Impact of harvesting method: mechanical harvesting increases cineole concentration due to contribution of leaves, stems and peduncles; hand harvesting maintains lower concentrations.

Rotundone:
Evidence that rotundone (characteristic black pepper aroma of Syrah) follows accumulation dynamics analogous to cineole in grapes exposed to exogenous environmental sources.

About the Speaker:
Prof. Fabio Mencarelli – Former Full Professor of Enology II, Wine Vessels and Enological Equipment, University of Pisa.

This video was extracted from the masterclass on wine instabilities organised by Vinidea. You can access the full recordings at the following link:https://vinidea.it/en/product/wine-faults/