Flavor, grapes, importance monoterpenes

The Importance of Monoterpenes to the Flavor of Vitls vlnifera Grapes and Wines... 

By contrast, biosynthetic studies on whole fruits have been limited and, probably because of the low levels of monoterpenes In grapes, the pathways In Vltls species remain unexplored. Since monoterpenes important to the flavor of grapes are mainly acyclic, Interconversions of neryl, geranyl and llnalyl derivatives may be of special significance. The oxidative steps leading to polyol production represent a shunt of flavor-active compounds to flavorless forms and require investigation. 

An important aspect in understanding the metabolic processes is a knowledge of the control mechanisms involved. When the regulatory mechanisms inducing fruit to produce monoterpene flavorants become known It may be possible to alter varietal character of grapes by application of appropriate regulatory substances. It would then follow that vines could be adjusted to produce grapes tailor-made to the winemakers flavor specifications. 

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