# Effect of dehydration of Syrah grape berries on the aging potential of fortified sweet wines in Ningxia of China

## TL;DR

Dehydrating Syrah grapes improves the aging potential and sensory qualities of sweet wines in Ningxia, China.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates that grape dehydration enhances the aging stability and sensory characteristics of Syrah fortified sweet wines.

## Key findings

- Dehydration increases sugar, organic acids, and acetic esters in wines.
- Dehydrated wines show better color stability and stronger black fruit fragrance.
- G40 wine had the lowest color variation after 24 months of aging.

## Abstract

Many of wines from western China suffer from the short lifespan of aging. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of grape dehydration on aging potential of fortified sweet wines. Compared with the control wine (CK), dehydration significantly raised the sugar, organic acids and acetic esters content of G20 and G40 wines (made by 20 % and 40 % weight loss grapes). Dehydration also enhanced the stability of anthocyanins and the color of wines. After 24 months of aging, G20 had the highest monomeric anthocyanin content, and the variations of a⁎, b⁎ and H⁎ab values were lowest in G40. Furthermore, dehydrated samples presented better aging stability with the improved sensory characteristics such as stronger black fruit fragrance, fuller body and richer aftertaste. In general, Syrah fortified sweet wine provides a new option for high quality wines with stable color, concentrated aroma, rich taste, and high aging potential in Ningxia of China.

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•Dehydration enhances color stability and aroma intensity of wine during bottle aging.•Dehydration improves aging ability and sensory property of Syrah fortified sweet wine.•Alcohols and fatty acid ethyl esters contribute to smoky, sweet and nutty aromas.•Providing a new option for high quality fortified sweet wines in Ningxia of China.

Dehydration enhances color stability and aroma intensity of wine during bottle aging.

Dehydration improves aging ability and sensory property of Syrah fortified sweet wine.

Alcohols and fatty acid ethyl esters contribute to smoky, sweet and nutty aromas.

Providing a new option for high quality fortified sweet wines in Ningxia of China.