Project title
The role of metals on the (in)stability / maturation / shelf life of wines

Project leader
Van Jaarsveld, F P

Institution
ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij

Team members
Van Jaarsveld, F P
October, F
Du Toit, W
McKay, M

Project description
There is nothing wrong with the vinification process, the levels of heavy metals (iron and copper) are not higher than legally permitted, but there is a difference between the storage life (tempo of maturation) of white wine and beer for example. Could the faster maturation of white wine perhaps be attributed to the levels and type of metals that act as catalysts of oxidation? Metals in wine are known to act as catalysts in oxidation processes, form complexes with various wine constituents, lead to haze formation, clouding and precipitation, cause wine instability at high concentrations, and impact on the organoleptic properties of wine. The ultimate aim of the project is to investigate the role of (heavy)metals on the maturation rate and quality characteristics of white wines. Results can be used to implement strategies for wine quality improvement. A possible outflow of this study would be to make recommendations on the optimum degree of reduction of the metallic content of specific white wines in the context of achieving a significant control over its tendency to suffer deterioration.

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