Regional microbial signatures positively correlate with differential wine phenotypes: evidence for a microbial aspect to terroir

Knight, Sarah, Klaere, Steffen, Fedrizzi, Bruno and Goddard, Matthew (2015) Regional microbial signatures positively correlate with differential wine phenotypes: evidence for a microbial aspect to terroir. Scientific Reports, 5 . p. 14233. ISSN 2045-2322

Full content URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep14233

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Regional microbial signatures positively correlate with differential wine phenotypes: evidence for a microbial aspect to terroir
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Abstract

Many crops display differential geographic phenotypes and sensorial signatures, encapsulated by the concept of terroir. The drivers behind these differences remain elusive, and the potential contribution of microbes has been ignored until recently. Significant genetic differentiation between microbial communities and populations from different geographic locations has been demonstrated, but crucially it has not been shown whether this correlates with differential agricultural phenotypes or not. Using wine as a model system, we utilize the regionally genetically differentiated population of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in New Zealand and objectively demonstrate that these populations differentially affect wine phenotype, which is driven by a complex mix of chemicals. These findings reveal the importance of microbial populations for the regional identity of wine, and potentially extend to other important agricultural commodities. Moreover, this suggests that long-term implementation of methods maintaining differential biodiversity may have tangible economic imperatives as well as being desirable in terms of employing agricultural practices that increase responsible environmental stewardship.

Keywords:Saccharomyces cerevisiae, terroir, wine, Agriculture, JCOpen
Subjects:D Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture and related subjects > D711 Agricultural Microbiology
C Biological Sciences > C220 Mycology
C Biological Sciences > C400 Genetics
C Biological Sciences > C170 Population Biology
C Biological Sciences > C510 Applied Microbiology
D Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture and related subjects > D630 Food and Beverage Production
D Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture and related subjects > D410 Arable and Fruit Farming
Divisions:College of Science > School of Life Sciences
ID Code:18474
Deposited On:26 Aug 2015 14:13

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