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Freshness, although it is a concept difficult to define in wines, can be understood as a combination of different circumstances. Organolepticwise, bluish red, floral and fruity, more acidic and full-bodied wines, are perceived as younger and fresher by consumers. In traditional winemaking processes, these attributes are hard to boost if no other technology or biotechnology is involved. In this regard, the right selection of yeast strains plays an important role in meeting these parameters and obtaining wines with fresher profiles. Another approach in getting fresh wines is through the use of novel non-thermal technologies during winemaking. Herein, the contributions of non-Saccharomyces yeasts and emerging technologies to these parameters are reviewed and discussed.

Metschnikowia pulcherrima (Mp) is a ubiquitous yeast that frequently appears in spontaneous fermentations. The current interest in Mp is supported by the expression of many extracellular activities, some of which enhance the release of varietal aromatic compounds. The low fermentative power of Mp makes necessary the sequential or mixed use with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) to completely ferment grape musts. Mp has a respiratory metabolism that can help to lower ethanol content when used under aerobic conditions. Also, Mp shows good compatibility with Sc in producing a low-to-moderate global volatile acidity and, with suitable strains, a reduced level of H2S. The excretion of pulcherrimin gives Mp some competitive advantages over other non-Saccharomyces yeasts as well as providing some antifungal properties.

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