This study aimed to identify the key aroma-active volatiles
in
cranberry wines through three vinification methods (White, Red and
Thermo) using GC–MS/O to identify the important aroma compounds.
A total of 70 compounds were detected, with 67 in wines and 61 in
juices. The esters was the most diversified class, while alcohols
and acids were the most abundant, especially 3-methylbutanol, methylbutyric
acid, and benzoic acid. The volatile profiles of cranberry wines are
distinctive from their source juices. Most alcohols, esters, and acids
are fermentation-derived, while terpenes, phenols, aldehydes and ketones
are varietal. The Red vinification retained the most varietal volatiles
from the must, while the White and Thermo vinifications produced more
volatiles during fermentation. Thermovinification reduced the yield
of benzoic acid and its derivatives after fermentation. Olfactory
analysis identified 47 aroma-active compounds, among which 41 were
considered as the major aroma contributors (ethyl benzoate had the
highest modified detection frequency).