Adjustment of impact odorants in Hutai-8 rose wine by co-fermentation of Pichia fermentans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Hutai-8 grape (Vitis vinifera × Vitis labrusca) was fermented into rose wine with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to characterize the key aroma compounds by sensomics approach, and fermented with selected Pichia fermentans and S. cerevisiae for aroma enhancement. In total, 82 odorants were detected in single-fermentation Hutai-8 rose wine, 22 aroma active compounds, mainly varietal odorants and fruity esters, were further quantitated for aroma reconstitution tests, and successfully mimicked sweet, floral, and fruity traits. Omission tests excluded the importance of isobutyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, 1-nonanol for aroma development. Furthermore, the successfully recombined co-fermentation Hutai-8 rose wine revealed 21 aroma active compounds identified from 79 odorants. The complexity of wine fruity/floral characteristics was improved through increased levels of inactive odorants and decreased levels of off-odorants. Moreover, rose wine made by co-inoculation had greater color stability compared to single-fermentation. This work provides insights into the understanding of mechanisms underlying modulation of co-fermentation for improved wine quality.