Torulaspora delbrueckii promotes malolactic fermentation in high polyphenolic red wines

Abstract Using Torulaspora delbrueckii as starter culture for alcoholic fermentation (AF) is a current trend for enhancing the quality of red wines. As red winemaking usually requires subsequent malolactic fermentation (MLF), the compatibility of this yeast and Oenococcus oeni is a key factor for a successful fermentative process. In this work we study the interactions of T. delbrueckii and O. oeni in wines from grapes with different degrees of maturity. The results showed higher total polyphenolic index (TPI) values in T. delbrueckii wines. Moreover, the aromatic characteristics were improved in these wines, compared to the wines inoculated only with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. There was also a reduction in some inhibitor compounds for O. oeni, for instance medium chain fatty acids, as a result of the fermentation with this non-Saccharomyces. Overall, the use of T. delbrueckii resulted in better MLF performances.