Anthocyanin profile of Galician endangered varieties. A tool for varietal selection

Polyphenolic characterization of minority red grapevine varieties is a key factor to improve varietal recovery and promotion. This work focuses on determining phenolic family content and anthocyanin (AN) profiles of 28 different red grape varieties during 2018 and 2019 vintages in Galicia (Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula). Most of these varieties are considered minority varieties in this region. Additionally, the relationships between the AN groups of compounds were calculated. AN, flavanols, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids and stilbenes were extracted, identified, and quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results show that the phenolic, and more specifically the AN profile, are useful elements for varietal classification. Castanal', Ferron', Espadeiro' and Souson' stood out because of their content in AN and copigment substances. These varieties differed from the rest of the grape varieties under analysis due to their higher percentages of petunidin and delphinidin derivatives forms. They also had acceptable values of titratable acidity. Since these minority varieties present highly appreciated polyphenolic and acidity characteristics, they should be recommended to be grown in Galicia.

Automated summary

Polyphenolic characterization of minority red grapevine varieties is crucial for varietal recovery and promotion. Analysis of 28 red grape varieties in Galicia revealed that certain varieties, such as Castanal', Ferron', Espadeiro', and Souson', stood out for their higher anthocyanin content and copigment substances, along with acceptable levels of titratable acidity. These minority varieties with appreciated polyphenolic and acidity characteristics should be recommended for cultivation in Galicia.