Investigating wine astringency profiles by characterizing tannin fractions in Cabernet Sauvignon wines and model wines

Contribution of various phenols on wine astringency profiles was far from clear explanations. To effectively describe wine astringency profiles and determined the function of tannins/matrix (pH and ethanol), multiple chemical analyses combined RATA (Rate-all-that-apply) sensory method were applied in Cabernet Sauvignon and model wines. Results showed that polymeric flavanols determined the bulk of wine astringency intensity, oligomeric tannins enriched the smoothness and periodontium astringency, and monomeric phenol enhanced overall astringency intensity through synergistic effect. Astringency balance was effectively quantification, and its potential correlation relationship with epicatechin extension subunit (0.83) and fluorescence peak shift (0.75) cannot be ignored. The astringency profiles of condensed tannins with anthocyanins were enhanced. Low-pH (from 3.8 to 3.0) enhanced astringency by increasing the tannins affinity to proteins, while ethanol (from 10.0 % ∼ 15.0 %) decreased the hydrophobicity bond between tannins-protein interaction. This paper provided new insights to explain wine astringency profiles and a reference for astringency modification during winemaking.