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Impact of novel biotechnological strategies in the fermentation of Sicilian wines on the content of total polyphenols
* 1 , 2 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 3 , 4 , 2 , 1 , 2 , 2
1  Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Bldg. 5, Ent. C., 90128 Palermo (PA), Italy.
2  Bionutest research group. Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, Avda. Vicent Andrés Estellés S/N 46100 Burjassot (València), Spain.
3  G. Milazzo agricultural company- Terre Della Baronia S.r.l., Strada Statale 123 - Km 12+700, 92023 Campobello di Licata (AG), Italy
4  Regional Institute of Wine and Oil – Region of Sicily, Via Libertà 66, 90143, Palermo (PA), Italy
Academic Editor: Paola Domizio

Abstract:

Catarratto is the main white grape variety in Sicily, and enhancing its value is a key goal. This study investigated how different fermentation strategies affect the total phenolic content (TPC) in wines made from Catarratto grapes under different winemaking protocols. Three biotechnological approaches were explored: (i) sequential inoculation using three non-Saccharomyces yeast strains (Starmerella lactis-condensi, Candida oleophila, and Lachancea thermotolerans) followed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae; (ii) Catarratto wines that are non-macerated or subjected to short- or long-term maceration with seeds and peel, with/without sulfites, and fermented using St. lactis-condensi, S. cerevisiae, and lactic-acid bacteria; and (iii) traditional sparkling wines with S. cerevisiae strains. TPC was measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Fermentation generally led to a reduction in TPC compared to must. In approach (i), the highest and lowest TPC values were observed in wines fermented only with S. cerevisiae and in those pre-fermented with St. lactis-condensi and L. thermotolerans, followed by S. cerevisiae, respectively. In approach (ii), maceration increased TPC, particularly when St. lactis-condensi was followed by S. cerevisiae. In sparkling wines (iii), TPC varied significantly depending on the selected non-commercial S. cerevisiae strain. These results suggest that tailored fermentation strategies can enhance the phenolic content and quality of Catarratto-based wines.

Keywords: white wine; sicilian wines; traditional sparkling wine; second fermentation; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; non-Saccharomyces yeasts; lactic-acid bacteria; total phenolic content.
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