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Genetic and phenotypic intraspecific variability of Non-Saccharomyces yeasts populations from La Rioja winegrowing region (Spain)

  • Genetic and phenotypic intraspecific variability of Non-Saccharomyces yeasts populations from La Rioja winegrowing region (Spain)

It has been determined the intraspecific genetic diversity within five non-Saccharomyces yeast species as well as the diversity in phenotypic characteristic related to their technological properties. Seventy-one non-Saccharomyces yeasts isolated from different fermentations and facilities of the DOCa Rioja (Spain) belonging to five different wine species (Torulaspora delbrueckii, Lachancea thermotolerans, Metchnikowia pulcherrima, Zygosacharomyces bailii and Williopsis pratensis) were subjected to clonal characterization by RAPD-PCR, which evidenced wide diversity between them. They were also submitted to a screening for some oenological traits related to the improvement of the aroma of the wine and yeast development in musts. Strains within the same species showed different enzyme activities, tolerated different levels of SO2, and possessed different killer phenotypes. These characteristics made them adjust better or worse to specific vinification processes or wine quality criteria, which makes necessary to carry out a selection process in each one. Due to the wide range of variation within species, the strains adaptation to the SO2 levels in musts has to be taken into account in selection processes.

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