Reduce the sulphur dioxide content of wine by biological process in relation to the content of polyphenolic substances

Abstract

In recent years, many papers have paid attention to the bioactive compounds, particularly to the antioxidant activity of polyphenolic compounds in food and beverages, due to their positive effect on human body. Therefore, the phenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacity become an important quality parameter, especially in niche markets concerned with health benefits. Wine is an excellent source of various classes of polyphenols. The phenolic compounds are responsible for the sensory characteristics, particularly colour, astringency, bitterness, and aroma, too. Another very important ingredient in the wine is added the sulphur dioxide, which has the role to protect these reductive components of wines. Sulphur dioxide has the effects of antioxidant, antimicrobial and preservative that is mutually merging. However, it is possible to increase the stability of the complex of biologically active substances (BAS), as holders of natural antioxidant capacity. The present contribution brings opportunities rather than full elimination, but a substantial reduction of the content of sulphur dioxide, which protects the wine during the entire technological process of manufacture and treatment. The dosage of sulphur dioxide can be reduced in its values from 15 to 40% of the total health of the authorized maximum sulphur dioxide content of wine.