Project Number
WW 08-30
Project title
The role of metals on the (in)stability / maturation / shelf life of wines
Project leader
Van Jaarsveld, F P
Team members
Van Jaarsveld, F P
October, F
Du Toit, W
McKay, M
Project description
There is nothing wrong with the vinification process, the levels of heavy metals (iron and copper) are not higher than legally permitted, but there is a difference between the storage life (tempo of maturation) of white wine and beer for example. Could the faster maturation of white wine perhaps be attributed to the levels and type of metals that act as catalysts of oxidation? Metals in wine are known to act as catalysts in oxidation processes, form complexes with various wine constituents, lead to haze formation, clouding and precipitation, cause wine instability at high concentrations, and impact on the organoleptic properties of wine. The ultimate aim of the project is to investigate the role of heavy metals on the maturation rate and quality characteristics of white wines. Results can be used to implement strategies for wine quality improvement. A possible outflow of this study would be to make recommendations on the optimum degree of reduction of the metallic content of specific white wines in the context of achieving a significant control over its tendency to suffer deterioration.
Article
Van Jaarsveld, F. 2010. Die belangrike role van metaalspesiasie, chemiese and fisiese eienskappe in wyn en ander alkoholiese dranke, WineLand, Mnth Mar (247) (p. 83-84)
Van Jaarsveld, F. 2010. Metal speciation, chemical and physical properties – importance in wine and other alcoholic beverages, Wynboer Technical Yearbook, (p. 31-32)
Van Jaarsveld, F, Jolly, N P. 2010. Metale in wyn and ander alkoholiese drankies (Deel 1):’n Bondige oorsig oor die oorsprong daarvan, Wynboer Technical Yearbook, (p. 132-133)
Van Jaarsveld, F, Jolly, N P. 2011. Metale in wyn en ander alkoholiese drankies (Deel 1): ‘n bondige oorsig oor die oorsprong daarvan, WineLand, Mnth Mar (p. 82)
Van Jaarsveld, F. 2011. Metale in wyn en ander alkoholiese drankies en die uitwerking daarvan op die mens (Deel 2): toksologie en konsentrasie perke, WineLand, Mnth Apr (p. 81)
Van Jaarsveld, F. 2011. Die rol van metale in wyn (Deel 3): ‘n bondige oorsig, WineLand, Mnth May (p. 82-83)
Van Jaarsveld, F. 2011. Metale in wyn en ander alkoholiese drankies en die uitwerking daarvan op die mens (Deel 2): toksologie en konsentrasie perke, Wynboer Technical Yearbook, Mnth Apr (p. 134)