Evolution of the phenolic content and extractability indices during ripening of Nebbiolo grapes from the Piedmont growing areas over six consecutive years

The phenolic composition and extractability indices of grape berries play a key role in assessing red wine quality because the relationship between the grape phenolic maturity and wine phenolic composition is well known. In this work, grape quality indices were determined in Nebbiolo grapes from two growing areas of Langhe (South Piedmont), at different stages through the ripening process in six consecutive years (2004-2009), with the aim of evaluating separately the ripening- and growing area-related changes in the grape indices. The vintage effect was also investigated. Ripeness data were also compared with analogous data determined in Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Carema area (North Piedmont). The vintage effect far outweighed any changes in the grape indices introduced by the ripening stage and even those arising from differences in the production area. In Langhe and Carema zones, the average berry mass, pH, total acidity, total anthocyanins extractable at pH 3.2, total flavonoids and non-anthocyanin flavonoids extractable at pH 1, and seed maturity index were seasonally dependent. The more ripening-affected parameters were the technological ones. This work highlights the importance of determining the phenol extractability since it provides relevant information allowing improved management of the maceration stage.