Rootstock Effect on Volatile Composition of Albariño Wines

Abstract

Background: Rootstock is a viticultural practice used to combat the devastating Phylloxera vitifoliae (Fitch). Additionally, it is well-known that wine aroma composition depends mainly on variety, viticulture management and winemaking; therefore, rootstocks can affect to berry quality. This study evaluated the influence of nine rootstocks (110R, SO4, 196-17C, Riparia G, 161-49C, 420A, Gravesac, 3309C and 41B) on volatile composition of Albariño wine in two consecutive vintages. Material and Methods: Volatile compounds belonging to eight groups (alcohols, C6-compounds, ethyl esters+acetates, terpenes + C13-norisoprenoids, volatile phenols, volatile acids, lactones and carbonyl compounds) were determined in Albariño wines by GC–MS, during 2009 and 2010 vintages. Results: Rootstock 110R had a positive influence on Albariño wines, increasing total volatile concentration, due mainly to 2-phenylethanol, decanoic and hexanoic acids, ethyl esters and acetates, and C13-norisoprenoids. However, the higher contribution of volatile fatty acids to Albariño wine was shown when grapevines were grafted onto SO4. Conclusions: This work provides new information about the impact of rootstocks on Albariño wine volatile composition, where 110R had a positive influence on Albariño wines under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Salnés Valley (Galicia, Spain).