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Flor Yeast Diversity and Dynamics in Biologically Aged Wines
Vanessa David-Vaizant1,2, Hervé Alexandre1,2
1AgroSup Dijon, PAM UMR A 02.102, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|October 16, 2018
Summary
Flor yeasts, primarily Saccharomyces cerevisiae, form protective biofilms called velums during wine aging. These velums exhibit diverse structures and compositions, influenced by environmental factors and cellar colonization, not just yeast genetics.
Area of Science:
- Oenology
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Wine biological aging involves flor yeasts forming protective biofilms (velums) on wine surfaces.
- Flor yeasts prevent wine oxidation during aging, crucial for specific wine types like "Vin jaune".
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structural and compositional diversity of flor yeast velums.
- To investigate the role of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and their genetic factors in velum formation.
- To explore the influence of environmental factors on velum development and yeast succession.
Main Methods:
- Sampling and analysis of 39 "Vin jaune" velums aged 1-6 years from two cellars.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe biofilm structures and yeast morphologies.
- Genetic analysis of FLO11 and ICR1 sequences in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains.
Main Results:
- Velums displayed significant variation in color and surface structure, despite being predominantly composed of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- SEM revealed diverse biofilm architectures and yeast morphologies formed by a single species.
- Flor yeast strain succession was observed within the same velum over time, suggesting environmental influence.
- Few flor yeasts were isolated post-fermentation, indicating cellar-based colonization.
Conclusions:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains exhibit remarkable plasticity in biofilm formation, leading to diverse velum characteristics.
- Environmental factors and matrix effects play a significant role in shaping velum development and yeast strain dynamics.
- Flor yeast development is likely initiated by colonization from the aging cellar environment.
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