RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Effects of Muscat Bailey A Berry Size on Total Soluble Solids, Anthocyanins, and 4-Hydroxy-2,5-Dimethyl-3(2H)-Furanone
JF American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
JO Am J Enol Vitic.
FD American Society for Enology and Viticulture
SP 0760011
DO 10.5344/ajev.2025.24070
VO 76
IS 1
A1 Aoki, Yoshinao
A1 Sasaki, Kanako
A1 Kido, Emiri
A1 Suzuki, Shunji
YR 2025
UL http://www.ajevonline.org/content/76/1/0760011.abstract
AB Background and goals Muscat Bailey A (MBA), a prominent red wine grape cultivar in Japan, is distinguished from traditional Vitis vinifera cultivars by its large berries and low sugar concentration. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between berry size and three key quality parameters of MBA: total soluble solids (TSS), anthocyanins, and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (furaneol). Furaneol is responsible for the characteristic aroma of MBA berries, reminiscent of cotton candy and strawberry.Methods and key findings During the three growing seasons of 2018, 2020, and 2021, individual berries were classified based on their position within the bunch and their berry weight. Berry position within a bunch had no effect on berry weight or TSS. Across all three growing seasons, small berries consistently exhibited higher TSS, higher anthocyanins in the skin, and generally higher furaneol than larger berries, although annual variations were observed.Conclusions and significance Smaller berry size in MBA was linked to higher TSS and anthocyanins, indicating potential quality enhancements. These findings have implications for viticultural practices aimed at reducing berry size and for breeding programs focused on developing small-berry phenotypes, ultimately enhancing the potential to produce higher-quality MBA wines with deeper color and higher alcohol concentration.