Evolution of quality parameters during red wine dealcoholization by osmotic distillation

Osmotic distillation technique was used for the total dealcoholization of a red wine (Aglianico grape variety) up to 0.19 vol.%. The dealcoholization process was performed in subsequent cycles which gave rise wine samples at different alcoholic degrees. The effect of processing on the main chemical and physical properties of Aglianico wine was evaluated. Among wine samples, no significant differences (p < 0.05) of oenological parameters such as pH, total acidity were found. Similarly, the total phenolic, flavonoids and tartaric esters content and the composition of organic acids did not show significant differences (p < 0.05) during the process. On the contrary, colour intensity and tonality of wine samples changed significantly when the alcohol reduction was over the 6.5 vol.%. Finally, the total dealcoholized wine showed properties similar to Aglianico wine except for the volatile compounds, which decreased over 98%. Hence, flavour enrichment may be required to produce a pleasurable and delicious non alcoholic beverage from wine. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.