Reducing Spoilage by Quantifying and Modelling the Dynamics of Volatile Sulfur Compound Formation in Wine

Wine spoilage poses a significant threat to the global wine industry, leading to substantial economic losses and jeopardising its sustainability. This sector is already under strain, contending with issues including climate change, global competition, increasing production costs, declining consumption and evolving consumer preferences. Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs) influence wine quality with their abundance and low perception threshold. While some VSCs enhance wine aromatic complexity, most of them cause negative wine faults such as aromas of cabbage and rotten eggs leading to discarded wine and substantial economic losses. Despite their significance, current methods for detecting and quantifying VSCs (particularly light VSCs) are inadequate. Additionally, a comprehensive model of sulfur metabolism is lacking. This project aims to develop innovative strategies for the accurate quantification, assessment, and management of VSCs during wine fermentation. The specific objectives are: (1) to identify VSC origins and characterise their production dynamics using a novel real-time monitoring device; (2) to assess sulfur compound flux distribution within yeast metabolic networks; and (3) to create the first model-based strategies for predicting and controlling VSC formation. The project includes a secondment to experts at the CSIC in Spain, where I will refine the model. This experience will significantly enhance my skills in analytical techniques and metabolic modelling while expanding my professional network and career prospects. The results of the project will offer valuable tools for both researchers in yeast metabolism and the wine industry, leading to improvements in quality control and production efficiency to mitigate the challenges faced. This pioneering research will provide a solid foundation for future projects in yeast metabolism and winemaking where the developed tools can be utilised.