Wine DNA Fingerprinting Used to Assess Monovarietal Nature of Brunello di Montalcino Wine

Strategic Insights -

Recent research from the University of Pretoria has employed wine DNA fingerprinting (WDF) to determine the varietal nature of Brunello di Montalcino wine. This process involves amplifying a panel of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers in the Vitis vinifera L. genome, allowing for the identification of specific grape varieties. The study demonstrated the efficacy of WDF in assessing the monovarietal nature of several wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The research also revealed that local genetic variants of Sangiovese can be tracked in commercial wines, providing valuable information on geographical origin.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wine DNA fingerprinting (WDF) was used to assess the monovarietal nature of Brunello di Montalcino wine by amplifying a wider panel of SSR marker mappings in the Vitis vinifera L. genome.
  • The study demonstrated the reliability of the varietal assessment by estimating the PI values associated with resolutive unrooted dendrograms depicting the correct varietal nature of different wines.
  • WDF was able to identify the purity of Sangiovese against Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo (Zinfandel), and genetic variants of the Sangiovese as plant references with a PI value of one over a million or less.
  • The test was able to trace the main varietal component in a three-variety blend, keeping the varietal fingerprint detectable when the main variety was at least 75%.
  • Local genetic variants of Sangiovese can be tracked in commercial wines, providing valuable information on geographical origin.

Statistics:

  • 5 SSR DNA markers associated with a PI value of one over a million or less (PI 10^(-6) ) can identify the purity of Sangiovese against other grape varieties.
  • WDF was used on 4 monovarietal wines obtained from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir to test the feasibility of the method.
  • In blended wines, the test was able to detect the main varietal component when the main variety was at least 75%.

Sources:

  • (NewsRx). University of Pretoria Researchers Update Understanding of Beverages (Varietal Authentication of Brunello di Montalcino Wine Using a Minimal Panel of DNA Markers). Life Science Weekly. July 8, 2025; p 7695.
  • Varietal Authentication of Brunello di Montalcino Wine Using a Minimal Panel of DNA Markers. Beverages, 2025,11(3):81. (Beverages - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/beverages).