Vinification Technique Matters: Kinetic Insight into Color, Phenolics, Volatiles, and Aging Potential of Babica Wines

Abstract

Unveiling how vinification technique shapes wine identity, this study provides a comparative insight into the chemical and sensory profiles of Babica wines produced using traditional, enzyme-assisted, and thermovinification approaches. The kinetics of color parameters changes and the phenolic extraction were monitored during the first five days of maceration. Individual phenolics and volatiles were determined using high-performance liquid and gas chromatography, respectively, while the overall sensory quality of the wines was evaluated by panelists. Significant differences in the extraction kinetics of compounds of interest were observed among treatments, particularly during the first days of maceration. By the end of the study, the thermovinified wine exhibited the highest color intensity (3.80), redness (52.5%), and approximately two-fold higher concentrations of total phenolics (2205 mg gallic acid equivalents/L) compared to the other two treatments. It contained the lowest concentration of tannins (100 mg catechin equivalents/L), anthocyanins (117 mg of malvidin-3-glucoside equivalents/L), and esters and showed the highest levels of volatile alcohols. It was also characterized by the most intense blueberry aroma and astringency in sensory analysis. The applied maceration technique affects the chemical and sensory profiles of Babica wines, with thermovinification favoring young and highly colored wines, whereas conventional vinification enhances the wine’s aging potential.