A method for the specific extraction of volatile thiols by use of p-hydroxymercuribenzoate has made it possible to identify certain flavor-active volatile thiols in Champagne wines. Benzenemethanethiol, 2-furanmethanethiol, and ethyl 3-mercaptopropionate were present in these wines at concentrations considerably higher than their perception thresholds. Their concentrations increased gradually in proportion to the bottle aging period and sharply as a result of disgorging. The contribution of these volatile thiols to the empyreumatic nuances of the bouquet of aged Champagne wines was demonstrated for the first time.

Benzenemethanethiol, a volatile thiol with a strong empyreumatic aroma reminiscent of smoke, has been identified in boxwood (Buxus sempervirens L.) as well as in red and white Vitis vinifera L. wines. The perception threshold in a model hydroalcoholic solution is approximately 0.3 ng/L. All of the wines analyzed for this study contained this compound in concentrations of several dozen nanograms per liter. The Chardonnay wines had 30-40 ng/L. Sensory discrimination between a wine containing 7 ng/L benzenemethanethiol and the same wine with an additional 4 ng/L is very significant; the difference in smell is described as "empyreumatic". This compound can therefore significantly contribute to the aroma of certain wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, etc.) containing concentrations as high as 30-100 times higher than their perception threshold.