A literature-based dataset on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from multiple grapevine varieties during...

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted by plants are valuable mediators of intra- and interspecific communication within ecosystems. These compounds play an important role in plant physiology and ecology, especially for defence responses, communication with neighbouring individuals, and attraction of beneficial organisms. Therefore, VOC are fundamental to plant survival, especially for facing biotic (such as pests and pathogens) and abiotic stressors (especially temperature extremes, drought, and flood). Grapevine plant (Vitis vinifera L.) emits a diverse array of VOC compounds such as monoterpenes, C13-norisoprenoids, alcohols, and aldehydes, and other secondary metabolites. These compounds play an important role in determining the sensory qualities of grapes and wine, thereby directly impacting agricultural and enological outcomes. Grapevine VOC have been detected in various organs, especially in foliage and berries and their biosynthesis and emission patterns are influenced by numerous factors such as plant genotype, developmental stage, environmental conditions, and even diurnal variation. Understanding the composition and regulation of these emissions is increasingly important in the context of climate change, which alters plant metabolism and may affect both grapevine health and the quality of grape-derived products. VOC profiles are thus emerging as promising indicators of plant physiological status and potential predictors of yield and fruit quality. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive review and synthesis of existing literature focusing on VOC emissions from grapevine berries. The resulting dataset consolidates information on VOC profiles from both pulp and skin tissues across various phenological stages, as well as from grape must. It includes about 800 unique VOC, systematically categorized into 14 chemical classes, along with aroma descriptors for 184 of these compounds. This extensive compilation offers a detailed and structured view of grapevine VOC diversity and distribution. The database we present provides a valuable knowledge base for functional, ecological, and physiological research, as well as for modeling studies. Furthermore, it offers insights into the biosynthetic pathways of VOC and their role in grape aroma chemistry.