Thiol precursor content in Melon B. and Sauvignon blanc grape juices obtained under vacuum was determined by quantifying cysteinylated and glutathionylated conjugates of 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 4-methyl-4-mercaptopentan-2-one (4MMP). This characterization allowed the study of thiol precursor evolution during ripening of Sauvignon blanc grapes in several viticultural situations together with grape reaction product (GRP) and the main substrate of polyphenoloxidase, that is, caftaric acid. Concentration of precursors greatly increased during ripening except for the cysteinylated conjugate of 4MMP. Precursor evolution was also monitored during the oxidation of grape juice. Addition of oxygen to a grape juice set off the enzymatic oxidation of hydroxycinnamic acids but did not negatively affect precursor concentrations. Part of the glutathionylated precursor of the 3MH was produced during prefermentative operations (up to 140% in Sauvignon blanc). Consequently, this precursor naturally occurring in grapes was also formed during prefermentative operations. The proportion of biogenetic and prefermentary formation of the glutathionylated precursor of 3MH was different under industrial conditions depending on the grape variety considered. Addition of glutathione and hexenal in grape juices of Melon B. and Sauvignon induced an increase of the production of 3MH and consequently of its acetate in the resulting wines. Residual glutathione in must has to be preserved to enhance the aromatic potential of grapes.

Aroma compounds are secondary metabolites that play a key role in grape quality for enological purposes. Terpenes, C -norisoprenoids, phenols, and non-terpenic alcohols are the most important aroma compounds in grapes and they can be found as free volatiles or glycoconjugated (bound) molecules. The non-volatile glycosylated group is the largest, and it is present in all varieties of Vitis vinifera (L.), the most widely used species for wine production. These aroma precursors represent the reserve of aroma molecules that can be released during winemaking. Their relative and absolute concentrations at fruit ripening determine the organoleptic value of the final product. A large range of biotic and abiotic factors can influence their biosynthesis in several ways. Agronomic practices such as irrigation, training systems, leaf removal, and bunch thinning can have an effect at plant level. The spraying of stimulatory compounds on fruit at different developmental stages has also been shown to modify metabolic pathways at fruit level with some impact on the aroma composition of the grapevine fruit. Viticulturists could act to promote aroma precursors to improve the aromatic profile of grapes and the wine ultimately produced. However, agronomic practices do not always have uniform results. The metabolic and physiological changes resulting from agronomic practices are unknown because there has not been sufficient research to date. This review presents the state of the art regarding the influences of vineyard agronomic management on the biosynthesis of grape aroma compounds. Although literature regarding the topic is abundant there are still many unknown biological mechanisms involved and/or that have been insufficiently studied. The aim of this work is therefore to find the gaps in scientific literature so that future investigations can focus on them. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.