Malolactic fermentation induced by silica‐alginate encapsulated Oenococcus oeni with different inoculation regimes

Abstract

Background and Aims: The encapsulation of Oenococcus oeni into silica-alginate (Si-ALG) gels has been previously con-firmed as a suitable strategy for a successful malolactic fermentation (MLF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectof two inoculation strategies (simultaneous vs sequential) on the performance of MLF with encapsulated O. oeni under wine-making conditions.Methods and Results: Sequential inoculation of Si-ALG biocapsules successfully achieved a complete MLF in high ethanolwines, while free and ALG encapsulated bacteria failed. A simultaneous inoculation with Si-ALG biocapsules provided a sig-nificant reduction in time to complete MLF in high sugar and low pH musts. The regime of inoculation did not modify thechemical composition of the wines.Conclusions: Either sequential or simultaneous inoculation of Si-ALG biocapsules constitute an effective alternative to freebacteria to undertake MLF under stressful conditions.Significance of the Study: Effective winemaking protocols based on sequential or simultaneous induction of MLF withinoculated Si-ALG encapsulated O. oeni have been accomplished. These are of potential interest for winemaking in bothwarm and cool regions.