Institute for Wine Biotechnology

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Browsing Institute for Wine Biotechnology by browse.metadata.advisor "Du Toit, M."

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    The deletion and overexpression of two esterase genes, IAH1 and TIP1, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine their effects on the aroma and flavour of wine and brandy
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Hignett, Jason Satch; Du Toit, M.; Pretorius, I. S.; Lambrechts, M. G.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology. Institute for Wine Biotechnology .
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: No single chemical constituent can be accredited with giving wine and brandy their overall aroma and flavour. The aroma and flavour of wine and brandy are rather attributed to a number of chemical constituents reacting together and it is these reactions that give the beverage its character. Certain chemicals within wine and brandy do, however, make larger contributions to the flavour. These include the esters, terpenes and volatile acids, although others also exist. Esters are a large group of volatile compounds with variable aroma and flavour characteristics, including banana-like (isoamyl acetate), apple-like (ethyl caproate) and chemical/solvent-like (ethyl acetate). Esters are produced as secondary metabolites during the conversion of sugar to ethanol and are formed when an alcohol binds with a fatty acid. Chemically, ester metabolism is well documented and understood; however, much work still needs to be done on a genetic level. The yeast strain used during fermentation is one of the most important factors contributing to the type and quantity of esters produced. This is due to differences in genetic makeup. The metabolism of esters is controlled largely on a genetic level, with numerous genes being involved. The alcohol acetyltransferase genes are involved in ester anabolism, whilst esterase genes are involved in ester catabolism. Esterases have a negative effect on the overall level of esters within an alcoholic beverage, as they are capable of reducing the number of esters and are thus capable of altering the beverage's aroma and flavour profile. The IAH1 and the TIP1 gene products are believed to encode for two such esterases. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of the IAH1 and TIP1 genes to the level of esters in both wine and brandy. This was accomplished by using two approaches. Firstly, the above genes were disrupted using a polymerise chain reaction (PCR)-generated disruption cassette homologous to either the IAH1 or the TIP1 gene. These cassettes were integrated into the industrial wine yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain VIN13. The integrations were verified by Southern blot analysis to produce yeasts VIN13-~IAH1 and VIN13-~TIP1; however, only a single copy of each was disrupted. Secondly, the IAH1 and the TIP1 genes were cloned from S. cerevisiae using PCR into plasmid pj between the phosphoglycerate kinase gene (PGK1) promoter and terminator, producing plasmids pJ-IOE1 and pJ-TOE1. The PGK1 promoter has previously been shown to constitutively express genes at high levels. These new constructs were then used as template for PCR to produce two overexpression cassettes, one for IAH1 and the other for TlP1. These cassettes were integrated into S. cerevisiae VIN13 and verified by Southern blot analysis to produce strains VIN13-IOE1 and VIN13-TOE1. The above yeast strains including VIN13 were used for the production of wines and base wines from Colombard must. Reverse-transcriptase (RT-PCR) confirmed that the VIN13-IOE1 and VIN13-TOE1 strains overexpressed the appropriate gene at a higher level than the control VIN13 strain. The VIN13-AIAH1 disrupted strain showed no difference in expression level to that of the control strain, whilst VIN13-ATIP1 showed lower levels of expression than that of the control strain. VIN13-IOE1 behaved as expected, with a decrease of between 30% and 60% in the total ester level in the wine and base wine respectively, a 30% decrease in the total acid level and no change in the higher alcohol level. The VIN13-AIAH1 strain showed no difference to the control wine, most likely as this strain still expressed the IAH1 gene at levels consistent with the control strain. VIN13-TOE1 behaved in an unexpected manner - instead of hydrolysing esters, it appeared to produce them. This increase in the total ester level was most noticeable during distillation, when a 20% increase took place. Another unexpected occurrence was a large decline in the total acid level, with acetic acid being the most significant contributor, decreasing by up to 78%. This is a very favourable finding, as acetic acid is a known spoilage molecule and is a cause of sluggish/stuck fermentations. VIN13-ATIP1 behaved in an opposite manner to VIN13-TOE1, with higher total acid levels and slightly decreased total ester levels, especially during distillation. Neither affected the total higher alcohol levels. Sensorially, the only significant difference in the wine samples was for the fruity flavour. A panel of judges distinguished that VIN13-TOE1 was fruitier than the other wines, with VIN13-ATIP1 being the least fruity. This study again proves the significant impact that a single gene can have on the chemical makeup of wine and brandy. The relatively simple genetic alteration of an organism can drastically change and improve not only the organoleptic properties of the organism, but its viability as well. These alterations can produce more favourable organisms with more desirable characteristics for the fermenting beverage industry to produce products of higher quality and better suitability.
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    The evaluation of bacteriocins and enzymes for biopreservation of wine
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Du Toit, Corina; Du Toit, M.; Pretorius, I. S.; Van Rensburg, P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology. Institute for Wine Biotechnology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The winemaking process involves a number of microorganisms, each with its own role. Yeasts are responsible for the alcoholic fermentation, the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram-positive bacteria associated with must and wine and perform the malolactic fermentation (MLF), while the acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are Gram-negative bacteria converting ethanol to acetic acid. These microorganisms are present in the cellar and fermentation tanks and can be seen either as beneficial or as wine spoilage microorganisms because, under certain circumstances, they affect the wine quality if they should grow in the wine or must. Strict measures need to be implemented in the cellar during the winemaking process to ensure microbiological stability. This can be achieved through good microbiological practices and, additionally, chemical preservatives. Sulphur dioxide (S02) is widely used as the primary preservative in winemaking. However, consumer resistance has been building up against the use of chemical preservatives, due to the possible health risks and a decrease in nutritional value and sensorial quality of certain foods and beverages. Biopreservation as an alternative to the traditionally-used chemical preservation is a new approach and has been attracting much attention. This implies the use of the natural microflora and/or their antibacterial products, such as bacteriocins and bacteriolytic enzymes (e.g. lysozyme). Bacteriocins from LAB are proteins or protein complexes, produced by Gram-positive bacteria, with antibacterial activity against closely-related Gram-positive species. Lysozyme occurs in substances such as hen egg white and has lytic activity against Gram-positive bacteria. ' The bacteriocins nisin, of the class I lantibiotics, and pediocin PA-1 and leucocin BTA 11a, of the class lIa Listeria-active bacteriocins, have been investigated for the biopreservation of wine. Nisin, however, is the only bacteriocin that has been approved for use as a preservative, while pediocin is likely to follow in approval. Lysozyme has been approved for use in winemaking by the Office International de la Vigne et du Vin (OIV). The main objectives of this study were to determine whether these substances showed any antimicrobial action against wine-associated microorganisms, namely LAB, AAB and yeasts. The stability and suitability of the bacteriocins and lysozyme as antimicrobials in wine was researched, especially when used in combination. Possible synergistic or antagonistic interactions between the bacteriocins were also investigated by means of the microtitre broth dilution method and scanning electron microscopy, as well as at what concentration and combinations the bacteriocins were most effective against increasing LAB concentrations. It was found that nisin, pediocin and leucocin were effective to varying degrees against a test panel of LAB type and reference strains, as well as wine isolates. Nisin repeatedly had the highest level of inhibition against all the LAB tested, followed by pediocin and leucocin. There was no inhibition of the wine-associated AAB and yeasts tested. Pediocin stability was evaluated in simulated wine must and proved to be stable for at least 20 days, without being affected by the sulphur or alcohol content. A low pH, however, led to a more rapid decrease in activity. The same was found for nisin and leucocin in other studies. Combinations of bacteriocins at increasing concentrations were evaluated against increasing concentrations of a LAB wine isolate. When used in pairs (namely, nisinleucocin, nisin-pediocin and pediocin-Ieucocin), the combinations were most effective against lower concentrations of bacteria, namely 102 and 104 cfu/ml. At lower concentrations, the pairs of bacteriocins were much less effective against the higher bacterial concentrations of 106 and 108 cfu/ml. Leucocin-pediocin combinations were the least effective, while nisin-Ieucocin combinations were marginally more effective than the nisin-pediocin combinations. The most pronounced effect was observed when all three the bacteriocins were used together. Combinations of bacteriocins had no inhibitory effect against AAB. Pediocin and lysozyme was used in combination against the same wine isolate, but no conclusive conclusions could be drawn in this experiment. __ Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate any disturbances in cell morphology when bacteriocins were added to LAB. The above-mentioned LAB was subjected to bacteriocins used singularly and also in combinations of equal amounts of bacteriocins. The action of the bacteriocins led to major disturbances in cell morphology. Once again, the combination of leucocin-pediocin was the least effective, even less so than when the single bacteriocins were used. The nisin-pediocin and nisin-Ieucocin combinations seemed to be more effective in causing cell disturbances and perturbations. The microtitre broth dilution methodwas used to further characterise the nature of the interaction of the pairs of bacteriocins. This test showed clearly that the bacteriocins had definite interactions. By adding one bacteriocin to varying concentrations of another bacteriocin, the inhibitory action of the second bacteriocin was affected, either increasing or decreasing its effectiveness. The most important factor to consider seems to be the ratio at which the bacteriocins should be used together, leading either to synergism or antagonism, and this also implies a very complex interaction. This project indicated that it is indeed possible to use both bacteriocins and lysozyme in "Vine preservation, both being stable in wine environments and effective against LAB without affecting the yeast fermentation. Bacteriocins could also be used in combination, to broaden the inhibition spectrum, as well as possibly increasing the inhibitory potential of the individual antimicrobials. The underlying interactions in such combinations should be carefully researched, however, when considering using combinations of antimicrobials in food and beverage products. Further attention can also be given to finding biopreservatives against the Gram-negative AAB, as well as to research the interaction of the pairs of bacteriocins over time. Another point to consider would be the engineering of yeasts or bacteria to produce these antibacterial substances in situ as part of their metabolism.
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    The evaluation of malolactic fermentation starter cultures under South African winemaking conditions
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-03) Van der Merwe, Hanneli; Du Toit, M.; Du Toit, Wessel J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology. Institute for Wine Biotechnology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With ever increasing pressure on wine producers to lower the financial costs involved in winemaking to be able to compete in the market, all while maintaining a high level of wine quality, the focus on maintaining control over all aspects of the winemaking process are greatly emphasized. Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is one of the important processes in red wine production. The advantages of this process, when performed successfully, is widely known and accepted. One way to gain control over MLF is the use of MLF starter cultures. Starter cultures usually consist of Oenococcus oeni that has been isolated from grapes or wines and is in most cases available in a freeze-dried form ready for direct inoculation into the wine when MLF is desired. Starter cultures are induced into wine and usually ensure the immediate onset as well as a fast and clean execution of the process. Starter cultures used in South Africa are in most cases isolated from cooler viticultural regions in the Northern hemisphere. The constitution of wines from cooler viticultural regions, differ from those in South Africa, which has a warm climate. The most important difference is the acid content of the wines which is lower in South African must/wines and results into a higher pH. The three most important changes that develop in wine during MLF are a decrease in acidity due to the conversion of malic acid to the less harsh lactic acid, enhanced flavour and aroma of wine and an increase in the microbiological stability of wine. The decrease in acidity is very important for wines produced for grapes grown in cool viticulture regions. In South Africa though, the climate is warm and higher pH’s are present in the musts and wines and the de-acidification due to MLF is not the main aim but rather the microbiological stabilisation. One of the compounds that could be produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is biogenic amines (BA’s). These compounds can be hazardous to human health. This thesis focussed on the performance of MLF starter cultures in high pH South African red wines. The first objective of the study was to stretch MLF starter cultures in high pH red wines of South Africa. Stretching means to use less than the prescribed dosage or the re-use of starter cultures. The difference in MLF rate, the influence of the natural occurring LAB and the levels of biogenic amines formed during MLF were determined for the different stretching treatments. The results showed that different rates in malic acid degradation were experienced between the treatments, but in all cases MLF fermentation was completed. Biogenic amines were formed at various levels and the influence of the natural occurring LAB also played a role. The second objective of the study was the evaluation of the effect of a wine isolated LAB (Lactobacillus) and an acetic acid bacteria (AAB), inoculated with a MLF starter culture had on MLF at different wine pH’s. It was found that especially in the case where the Lactobacillus was inoculated in combination with the MLF starter culture a possible stimulatory effect was experienced with regards to malic acid degradation rate. Biogenic amine concentration was measured at the end of MLF and it was found that no histamine and tyramine were formed in any of the treatments, while the putrescine and cadaverine levels were found to be at approximately similar levels for the different treatments. The third objective was to evaluate the possible influence of commercial tannin additions and a pectolytic enzyme on rate of MLF and phenolic composition of high pH red wine. The commercial tannins had possible inhibitory as well as stimulatory effects on the rate of malic acid degradation especially during the initial stages of MLF, with the highest dosage having the significant effect. The BA results showed difference in the levels produced due to tannin additions as well as strain differences could exist. The phenolic content showed a decrease in colour density, total red pigments, total phenolics and anthocyanins between AF and MLF. The fourth objective was to evaluate inoculation time of MLF starter cultures. The results showed that the fastest AF/MLF time was with simultaneous inoculation of the yeast and MLF starter cultures. It was also for this treatment where no histamine or tyramine was detected at the end of MLF compared to the other inoculation strategies (before the end of AF and after AF). This study generated a large amount of novel data which made a valuable contribution with regards to MLF in high pH red wines of South Africa.
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    Extracellular acid proteases of wine microorganisms : gene identification, activity characterization and impact on wine
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Reid, Vernita Jennilee; Divol, Benoit; Du Toit, M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology. Institute for Wine Biotechnology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Non-Saccharomyces yeasts of oenological origin have previously been associated with spoilage or regarded as undesired yeasts in wine. However, these yeasts have recently come under investigation for their positive contribution towards wine aroma especially when used in sequential or co-inoculated fermentations with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These yeasts are also known to secrete a number of enzymes that could be applicable in wine biotechnology. Amongst these enzymes are aspartic proteases. The secreted proteases from some non-Saccharomyces yeast may play a role in protein haze reduction, as demonstrated by some authors, while simultaneously increasing the assimilable nitrogen content of the wine for the utilization and growth of fermentative microorganisms. Moreover, the proteases may have an indirect effect on wine aroma by liberating amino acids that serve as aroma precursors. Although many screenings have been performed detecting protease activity in non-Saccharomyces yeasts, no attempts have been made to characterize these enzymes. This study set out to isolate and characterize genes encoding extracellular aspartic proteases from non-Saccharomyces yeasts. An enzymatic activity screening of a collection of 308 Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts, isolated from grape must, was performed. The aspartic protease-encoding genes of two non- Saccharomyces yeasts, which showed strong extracellular proteolytic activity on plate assays, were isolated and characterized by in silico analysis. The genes were isolated by employing degenerate and inverse PCR. One gene was isolated from Metschnikowia pulcherrima IWBT Y1123 and named MpAPr1. The other putative gene was isolated from Candida apicola IWBT Y1384 and named CaAPr1. The MpAPr1 gene is 1137 bp long, encoding a 378 amino acid putative protein with a predicted molecular weight of 40.1 kDa. The CaAPr1 putative gene is 1101 bp long and encodes a 367 amino acid putative protein with a predicted molecular weight of 39 kDa. These features are typical of extracellular aspartic proteases. The deduced protein sequences showed less than 40% homology to other yeast extracellular aspartic proteases. By heterologous expression of MpAPr1 in S. cerevisiae, it was confirmed that the gene encodes an extracellular acid protease. The expression of MpAPr1 was shown to be induced in media containing proteins as sole nitrogen source and repressed when a preferred nitrogen source was available. The gene was expressed in the presence of casein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and grape juice proteins and repressed in the presence of ammonium sulphate. Expression was most induced in the presence of grape juice proteins, which was expected since these proteins are present in the natural habitat of the yeast. A genetic screening confirmed the presence of the MpAPr1 gene in 12 other M. pulcherrima strains isolated from grape juice. The extracellular protease activity of the strains was also visualized on plates. As far as we know, this is the first report on the genetic characterization of secreted aspartic proteases from non-Saccharomyces yeasts isolated from grape must and provides the groundwork for further investigations.
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    Manipulating the levels of ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate formation during the production of wine and brandy
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Bayly, Jennifer Carr,1977-; Du Toit, M.; Pretorius, I. S.; Lambrechts, M. G.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology. Institute for Wine Biotechnology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The production of wine is a complex process, which involves the conversion of sugar in grape must to ethanol, carbon dioxide and other byproducts. The principal organism in winemaking is yeast, of which Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most important due to its ability to survive winemaking conditions, its GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) status and the favourable flavours it imparts during the winemaking process. However, due to the demands of the consumer and the emergence of sophisticated wine markets, a demand is developing for specialised yeast strains with enhanced and new oenological properties. For these reasons, research into the contribution of wine yeast to the aroma bouquet as well the influence of wine or brandy maturation in wood on the aroma bouquet is important for consumer demands to be met. The fruity aroma of wine is associated with esters, which are produced during the alcoholic fermentation by yeast. Important acetate esters in wine and brandy are ethyl acetate, which has a fruity, solvent-like aroma, and isoamyl acetate, which has a banana-like aroma. These esters are produced through the action of acetyltransferases (AATases), which catalyse the reaction between a higher alcohol and acyl Coenzyme A. Esters are mainly a product of alcoholic fermentation. However, their concentration changes during wood maturation and it has been found that the concentration of acetate esters can increase during the maturation period. In this study, the aim was to investigate the influence of AATase I and AATase II, which are encoded by the ATF1 and ATF2 genes respectively, on the aroma bouquet of wine and brandy. Therefore, the first objective of this study was to clone the ATF2 gene from a commercial wine yeast strain and to overexpress this gene in a commercial wine yeast strain and in a wine yeast strain that already has the A TF1 gene overexpressed. Disruption cassettes were also designed in order to disrupt the ATF1 and ATF2 genes in a commercial wine yeast strain. The resultant recombinant wine yeast strains were used for the production of wine and brandy. GC analyses and tasting trials were conducted to determine the effect of the overexpression or disruption of these genes on the aroma bouquet of wine. The results obtained indicated that there are differences in the aroma bouquet of wine and brandy when changes are made in gene expression. The results indicated that the A TF1 gene plays a large role in the production of ethyl and isoamyl acetate. When this gene was overexpressed, the level of ethyl acetate was 5.6-fold more than that of the control and the level of isoamyl acetate was 3.5-fold higher than that of the control. However, no increase in ethyl acetate or isoamyl acetate was observed when the A TF2 gene was overexpressed. An increase in 2-phenylethyl acetate and diethyl succinate was observed in brandy, although there was a decrease in total ester concentration. A decrease in acetic acid was also observed in the brandy produced, which could be an indication of ester production. Similarly, no increase in ethyl acetate or isoamyl acetate was observed in the wine or brandy produced when both the ATF1 and ATF2 genes were overexpressed in a single yeast. Once again, a marked decrease was observed in acetic acid concentration in both the wine and brandy. In conclusion, it is clear that changes in gene expression can change the aroma profile of wine or brandy. However, the role of the ATF2 gene still remains unclear and further studies are needed to clarify its role in yeast. Future studies involving the effect of wood maturation on ester concentration will also be of importance, so that the winemaker or distiller can make a product that suits the ever-changing market.
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    The role of lactic acid bacteria in brandy production
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Du Plessis, Heinrich Wilbur,1975-; Lambrechts, M. G.; Du Toit, M.; Pretorius, I. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology and Institute for Wine Biotechnology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The presence and growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in wine and their influence on wine quality has received much attention in recent years. Lactic acid bacteria are responsible for conducting malolactic fermentation (MLF) in wine. The benefits associated with malolactic fermentation in terms of deacidification of wine and the contribution to wine flavour and complexity have also recently been the topic of research. It is impossible to describe malolactic fermentation as distinctly desirable or undesirable in terms of its influence on the final quality of wine. The benefits and disadvantages are dependent upon viticultural region, grape variety, wine composition, winemaking techniques and the style and objectives of the winemaker. Brandy production is a multi-stage process in which base wine production, distillation technique and wood maturation all have a large influence on the final chemical profile and organoleptic quality of the brandy. The volatile composition of the base wine, which basically undergoes a concentration process during the subsequent double distillation phase, is critical in determining the aroma and flavour quality of the final brandy product. Thus, the brandy is only as good as the base wine it is distilled from. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of lactic acid bacteria and spontaneous malolactic fermentation on the quality of brandy base wine and the resulting distillate, and to determine which LAB species had been responsible for the occurrence of spontaneous MLF. This study showed that LAB are present at high numbers and are able to conduct spontaneous MLF of brandy base wines. It was shown that the incidence of spontaneous MLF varied from year to year. In 1998, 50% of the commercially produced base wines had undergone partial MLF prior to distillation. In 1999 and 2000 respectively, 34% and 45% of the commercial base wines had undergone partial MLF prior to distillation. The occurrence of spontaneous MLF had an influence on the chemical composition and the sensory quality of the base wine and distillate. There was an increase in the concentrations of ethyl lactate, acetic acid and diethyl succinate in samples that had undergone MLF. There was also a decrease in the concentrations of esters, such as iso-amyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl caproate, hexyl acetate and 2-phenethyl acetate in these same samples. Sensory evaluation of the base wines and distillates demonstrated that samples that had undergone MLF differed significantly from samples that had not undergone MLF. It was also shown that distillates that had not undergone MLF had a slightly better aroma profile than those that had. Sweet aromas, like chocolate and caramel, as well as negative aromas, like chemical or solvent, were more prominent in brandy distillates that had undergone MLF. Herbaceous and fruity aromas were more intense in distillates not having undergone MLF. Fifty-four strains, all Gram-positive and catalase negative, were isolated at different stages of brandy production. Seven strains were isolated from the grape juice, 15 strains were isolated from the base wine, 20 strains were isolated during MLF and 12 strains were isolated from the base wine after MLF had been completed. Based on C02 production from glucose and gluconate, 17 strains were classified as facultatively heterofermentative and 37 strains as obligately heterofermentative. Fifteen of the 37 obligately heterofermentative strains were rod-shaped and were regarded as lactobacilli. The remaining 22 strains were oval or cocci-bacilli shaped. The isolates were identified to species level by using numerical analysis of the total soluble cell protein patterns, 16S rRNAsequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with species-specific primers. The facultative heterofermentative lactobacilli were identified as Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus p/antarum. The fifteen obligately heterofermentative lactobacilli were identified as members of the species Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus verrniforme, Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus hi/gardii. The 22 obligate heterofermentative isolates, with a coccoid morphology, could be grouped into two clusters and were identified as Oenococcus oeni. O. oeni was the species responsible for the occurrence of spontaneous MLF in most of the commercial base wines. Lb. brevis, Lb. hi/gardii and Lb. paracasei were also isolated from commercial base wines that had undergone spontaneous MLF. In nine out of 14 experimental base wine samples that had undergone spontaneous MLF, O. oeni was again the predominant species. Lb. brevis, Lb. hi/gardii and Lb. paracasei were identified in the remaining experimental base wine samples. This is the first report of the presence of Lb. perecese! and Lb. vermiforme in brandy base wine. It was shown that the occurrence of spontaneous MLF had a negative effect on the quality of brandy base wine, but that was shown to be due to the different species and strains performing MLF. In the non-preferred distillate samples, Lactobacillus spp. had performed MLF or had developed after or during MLF.