Microwave-assisted extraction as a method of improving the quality of wines

ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper is to study and compare the effect of microwave-assisted extraction (MW) on the content of bioactive compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, and monomeric anthocyanins), antioxidant capacity, chromatic parameters, and sensory properties of wines derived from three varieties of grapes (Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Noir, and Merlot). The applied MW treatment resulted in a more effective extraction of bioactive compounds from grapes that were also found in a large amount in the wine compared to the untreated (control) sample. The antioxidant capacity and colour intensity of the must and wine samples was much higher compared to the control sample. The influence of MW treatment depends on the variety of grapes treated. The results indicate that MW treatment is an appropriate method to produce white and red wine through increased extraction of bioactive compounds and implicitly colour enhancement.