Prediction of Panel Preference for Zinfandel Wine from Analytical Data: Using Difference in Crop Level to Affect Must, Wine, and Headspace Composition

Abstract

Moderate success was achieved by multiple regression analysis in relating sensory preference data, for a group of semi-experienced judges, to must, wine, and headspace analyses. Multiple coefficients of determination were about 70% for all three analyses. The treatments imposed, crop levels, had an effect on the judges; the lighter crop yielding wines were preferred in both taste and overall flavor. Whether the differences in quality are justified in loss of crop remains to be determined.