Identification of key odorants related with high quality touriga nacional wine

High quality Touriga Nacional (TN) wines are characterised by a fruity-citric aroma described as sweet and of fresh citrus, evoking the bergamot fruit ( Citrus bergamia ). By sensory analysis the identification of the most important descriptors were found. Among 18 descriptors 3 were selected: ‘bergamot-like’ aroma, ‘orange-like’ and ‘violet’. A GCO of an extract of a typical TN wine allowed the identification of three related odorant zones ZO1, ZO2 and ZO3 showing bergamot-like odours. By AEDA the importance of ZO2 was confirmed, this odorant zone corresponded to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate. Results from a similarity test showed that the highest value was observed when linalool alone was added. Results obtained from the analysis of several red wines from different varieties show that terpenols are present in higher amounts in wines from the TN variety. These compounds are most likely the indicator/trigger of the varietal aroma of TN wines.