Discovering the effect of co‐fermentation involving <scp><i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i></scp> and <scp><i>Schizosaccharomyces pombe</i></scp> on the sensory quality improvement of mandarin wine based on metabolites and transcriptomic profiles

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mandarin wine has high added value, which can extend the industry chain of mandarins with excellent economic results. However, innovative fermentation methods are urgently needed to improve the typical taste and flavor characteristics of mandarin wine. In this study, the effect and underlying mechanism of co-fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe on the characteristics of mandarin wine were investigated based on integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. RESULTS: In comparison with fermentation with only S. cerevisiae, the mandarin wine produced from co-fermentation with S. cerevisiae and Sc. pombe had a higher pH value, lower malic acid content, and more abundant free amino acids, resulting in better sensory evaluation scores. The introduction of Sc. pombe extended the stage of alcoholic fermentation and enhanced the richness and diversity of volatile compounds, especially floral and fruity aroma compounds, including ethyl hexanoate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl enanthate, 1-heptanol, and phenylethyl alcohol. he significantly differential metabolites and varying genes were mainly found in pathways of glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, the citrate cycle, and amino acid metabolism. CONCLUSION: Co-fermentation with S. cerevisiae and Sc. pombe showed advantages in producing distinctive taste and flavor of mandarin wine in comparison with fermentation with only S. cerevisiae. This study can inspire new co-fermentation strategies to improve the sensory quality of mandarin wine. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.