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- Characterisation of low molecular weight compounds of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) fruit spirit aged with oak woodPublication . Anjos, O.; Antunes, Carlos Alberto Lopes; Alves, Sheila Oliveira; Canas, Sara; Caldeira, IldaThere is a trend towards the commercialisation of strawberry tree fruit spirit (AUS) with wood ageing, motivated by its favourable sensory characteristics. Additionally, further studies are necessary to elucidate the optimal conditions regarding ageing time and toasting level. This study evaluated the changes in colour and low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) of AUS aged for three and six months using oak wood (Quercus robur L.) with light, medium and medium plus toasting levels. For this purpose, phenolic acids (gallic, ellagic, ferulic and syringic acids), phenolic aldehydes (vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde) and furanic aldehydes (furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 5-methylfurfural) were quantified using the HPLC method. Chromatic characteristics, colour sensory analysis and total polyphenol index were also analysed. Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) was used to discriminate between samples. The results emphasized the favourable effect of oak wood contact on enhancing the colour and enriching AUS with low molecular weight compounds (LMWC). AUS aged in medium toasted wood exhibits high levels of total phenolic index, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, sum LMWC and chromatic characteristics b* and C. Concentrations of syringaldehyde, ellagic acid, vanillin and syringic acid and a lighter colour (a* chromaticity coordinates) are higher in AUS aged with slightly more toasted wood. Nearly all analysed parameters showed an increase with ageing time. The FT-NIR technique allowed for the differentiation of aged AUS, focusing more on ageing time than on toasting level.
- Changes of the physicochemical characteristics of aged wine spirits during the storage in bottlePublication . Lourenço, Sílvia; Soares, Amélia; Mota, Deolinda; Anjos, O.; Caldeira, Ilda; Alves, Sheila Oliveira; Canas, SaraThe wine spirit (WS) is a specific beverage obtained by the distillation of wine. Initially, the wine distillate is essentially made up of ethanol and water, and its physicochemical characteristics mainly result from the wine and distillation system used. During the ageing process, the distillate contacts with the wood and, with the mediation of oxygen, organic compounds are extracted from the wood and undergo several reactions over time, thus altering the sensory and physicochemical characteristics of this spirit beverage. Traditionally, ageing is carried out in barrels, which is an expensive and time-consuming technology.1 To overcome these drawbacks, alternative technologies for a sustainable ageing of WS using wood staves combined with micro-oxygenation (MOX) has been studied by our team.
- Natural blending as a novel technology for the production process of aged wine spirits : potential impact on their qualityPublication . Lourenço, Sílvia; Anjos, O.; Caldeira, Ilda; Alves, Sheila Oliveira; Santos, Nádia; Canas, SaraThe blending of wine spirits (WSs) produced in different ageing conditions is a key operation to impart specific features, enhance complexity, increase the final product’s quality and ensure brand consistency over the years, but requires time, labour and experienced blenders. This work aimed to develop a novel technology, natural blending, towards innovation and a more sustainable production process, adding value to the final product. WSs were aged in 250 L barrels and in 1000 L stainless steel tanks with wood staves and micro-oxygenation (MOX), using Limousin oak and chestnut wood simultaneously at a 50:50 ratio (natural blending) and separately; after 18 months of ageing, the last ones underwent the blending operation at the same ratio. All WSs were bottled and thereafter the following traits were analysed: alcoholic strength, acidity, dry extract, total phenolic index, low molecular weight compounds by HPLC method, chromatic characteristics and sensory profile. No significant differences in the physicochemical characteristics and sensory profile between the WSs resulting from the two blending technologies were found. Natural blending did not induce changes in the characteristics imparted by each ageing technology. These findings point to natural blending as a reliable alternative to the blending operation, especially in combination with ageing in tanks with staves and MOX.
- Influence of the storage in bottle on the antioxidant activity of wine spirit aged by sustainable technology of micro-oxygenation with Limousin oak stavesPublication . Alves, Sheila Oliveira; Lourenço, Sílvia; Fernandes, Tiago A.; Anjos, Ofélia; Caldeira, Ilda; Catarino, Sofia; Canas, SaraThe traditional ageing technology (TAT) has always been associated with oak barrels ageing and involves staging the wine distillate (WD) in wooden barrels with a continuous innate diffusion of oxygen through the wood and space between staves, under which the beverage spirit undergoes positive changes that contribute to the enhancement of its chemical composition and sensory properties.
- Hydrolysable tannins in aged wine spirits: a fresh perspective using alternative ageing technology and high-resolution mass spectrometryPublication . Fernandes, Tiago A.; Antunes, Alexandra M.M.; Alves, Sheila Oliveira; Caldeira, Ilda; Anjos, O.; Catarino, Sofia; Canas, SaraWine spirits (WSs) are usually aged in wooden barrels, but using wood pieces instead of barrels, with or without micro-oxygenation, is a technological alternative that has been investigated by our team.