Enhancing the flavour quality of Laiyang pear wine by screening sorbitol-utilizing yeasts and co-fermentation strategies

This study took a novel approach to address the dual challenges of enhancing the ethanol content and aroma complexity in Laiyang pear wine. It focused on sorbitol as a pivotal element in the strategic selection of yeasts with specific sorbitol-utilization capabilities and their application in co-fermentation strategies. We selected two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (coded as Sc1, Sc2), two Metschnikowia pulcherrima (coded as Mp1, Mp2), and one Pichia terricola (coded as Tp) due to their efficacy as starter cultures. Notably, the Sc2 strain, alone or with Mp2, significantly increased the ethanol content (30% and 16%). Mixed Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia terricola fermentation improved the ester profiles and beta-damascenone levels (maximum of 150%), while Metschnikowia pulcherrima addition enriched the phenethyl alcohol content (maximum of 330%), diversifying the aroma. This study investigated the efficacy of strategic yeast selection based on sorbitol utilization and co-fermentation methods in enhancing Laiyang pear wine quality and aroma.