Atypical ageing defect in Pinot Blanc wines: a comparison between organic and conventional production management systems

Atypical ageing (ATA) is an aroma defect that occurs in white wines and entails a loss of varietal aromas as well as scents of wet mop, shoe polish and dish rag. 2-Aminoacetophenone (2AAP) - a degradation product of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) - has been described as the main odour-active compound and chemical marker responsible for this off-flavour. A stress reaction in the vineyard triggered by climatic, pedological and viticultural factors can ultimately cause ATA development in wines and remarkably affect wine quality. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of three grapevine management systems on the occurrence of ATA. The experiments were carried out on Pinot Blanc grape samples from vines cultivated using one conventional and two organic approaches. The management systems mainly differed for the fertilisation regime and the weed control.