Influence of irrigation on consumer acceptability of Albariño and Godello wines

Consumer research provides insight into market acceptance, preference, and perception of foods and beverages. We aimed to investigate the effect of irrigation on consumer acceptability of white wines. Experiments comparing irrigated against rain-fed Albariño and Godello vines were conducted from 2012 to 2014 on three areas in NW Spain: Rías Baixas, Ribeiro and Valdeorras. Wines were tasted by approximately 50 consumers each year. Consumers rated their hedonic liking of each wine using a 5-point qualitative scale (from “dislike” to “like extremely”). Consumer acceptance was analyzed using descriptive and multivariate techniques. Albariño wines from Rías Baixas showed very similar results for 2013 and 2014. However, in 2012, rain-fed wines were preferred by consumers. In Ribeiro, in 2014, Albariño wines from irrigation were preferred over those from rain-fed. Godello wines were similarly accepted by consumers; however, wines from the rain-fed treatment tended to receive higher marks than those from the irrigated treatment. Results depended on variety and year. This work suggests that irrigation might affect the sensory profile of Galician white wines. Hence, it contributes to the knowledge base in that it is the first to investigate consumer preference in Galician wines from two cultivars grown in three different Designations of Origin.