Effects of Light Exposure on Chemical and Sensory Properties of Storing Meili Rosé Wine in Colored Bottles

Abstract The changes of chemical compositions and sensory characteristics of Meili rose wine in flint, antique green and amber bottles were studied under continuous illumination for 160 days in two light sources (white fluorescent light, UV light). The results showed that light exposure caused significant changes in free sulfur dioxide content, Fe(III):Fe(II) ratio and Malvidin-3-O-glucoside content, responsible for the accelerated color evolution of Meili rose wine during bottle storage. Some notable aroma-related changes were also observed for sensory characteristics, particularly for wines in flint bottles, boiled-like odor and oxidized odor appeared. Bottle color played a key role in preventing rose wine from light exposure, following the order: amber bottle > green bottle > flint bottle. Besides UV light, white fluorescent light did have negative effects on rose wine quality, considering its ubiquitous presence and long-term exposure in practice. The underlying mechanisms related to photochemical reactions in wine were further discussed.