Ferulic acid, fermentation inhibition

Other strains, like VLl, were selected for their low vinyl-phenol production. These compounds possess rather unpleasant pharmaceutical aromas. Above a certain concentration, they dull the aroma of dry white wines (Volume 2, Sections 8.4.2 and 8.4.3). These strains have low cinnamate decarboxylase activity. During alcoholic fermentation, this enzyme catalyzes the partial transformation of p-coumaric and ferulic acid found in juice into vinyl-4-phenol and vinyl-4-gaiacol. Since this enzyme is inhibited by phenolic compounds, only white wines can contain quantities of vinyl-phenols likely to affect their aroma. The use of strains with low cinnamate decarboxylase activity is recommended— particularly for white juices containing high concentrations of hydroxy cinnamic acid. 

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