Abstract
The development of a method using UPLC-MS/MS and stable isotope dilution assay allowed us to identify for the first time the S-3-(hexan-1-ol)-<gamma>-glutamyl-cysteine (<gamma>GluCys-3MH) in musts. Following this discovery, the study of interconversions between glutathione, dipeptides and cysteine S-conjugates to 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) or 4-mercapto-4-methyl-pentan-2-one (4MMP) highlighted two new forms of precursors. The evolution monitoring of these compounds during alcoholic fermentations at laboratory scale allowed us to clarify their role as precursors and to establish the possible interconversion mechanisms. In addition, through several viticultural and oenological experiments carried out at pilot scale in Languedoc and Val de Loire during three consecutive years, new elements could be … about the impact of grape ripening and its heterogeneity, as well as the importance of prefermentative processes, such as skin maceration and must conservation on lees.