VARIETAL AROMA COMPOUNDS OF VITIS VINIFERA CV. KHAMRI GROWN IN TUNISIA

ABSTRACT The aroma composition of the grape juice of Khamri, a native variety of Vitis vinifera grown in Tunisia, was investigated for the first time. A total of 27 free and 20 glycosidically bound compounds were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. According to the obtained results, the aroma compounds were C6 alcohols, benzene compounds, terpenes, acids and norisoprenoids. On the basis of gas chromatography‐olfactometry, these compounds were grouped, according to volatiles exhibiting the identical odor quality, into 10 groups of the same character (aromatic series) as a way of establishing an aroma profile for the studied variety. The high glycosidically bound norisoprenoid concentrations and the absence of the bound form of the acids were a positive factor for the Khamri variety potential aroma. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This article aimed on the identification of the unknown Tunisian grapevine varieties that are very well adapted to the arid conditions and that could have a good quality. The discovery of unknown autochthonous grapevine varieties with good aroma and pomological characteristics could be of great importance for the agriculture sector all over the world especially the arid regions.