An indigenous Saccharomyces uvarum population with high genetic diversity dominates uninoculated Chardonnay fermentations at a Canadian winery

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225615
• Publication Date: 2021-02-04T22:46:14Z
• Authors: Garrett C. McCarthy; Sydney C. Morgan; Jonathan T. Marti...; Brianne L. Newman; Stephanie E. McCann; Vivien Measday; Daniel M. Durall
• Keywords: Winery; Winemaking; Vineyard

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the primary yeast species responsible for most fermentations in winemaking. However, other yeasts, including uvarum, have occasionally been found conducting commercial around world. S. uvarum typically associated with white wine cool-climate regions, and has identified as dominant from France, Hungary, northern Italy, and, recently, Canada. little known about how origin genetic diversity of Canadian population relates to strains parts In this study, a highly diverse was dominating uninoculated Chardonnay grapes sourced two different vineyards. Most were be genetically distinct isolated globally. Of 106 four played role fermentations, some predominating one vineyard over other. Furthermore, these previously at same winery years earlier, suggesting presence winery-resident indigenous uvarum. This research provides valuable insight into persistence non-commercial North America, stepping stone future work enological potential an alternative species.