Predicatore: an innovative sweet red wine as a tool for the economic enhancement of grape wastes derived by cluster thinning

A ten-year study (from 2008 to 2017) was conducted to analyse and critically discuss the chemical and sensorial characteristics showed by an innovative sweet red wine (named Predicatore), in order to individuate the influence of the main operating conditions on the quality of this product and to define its ageing potential. An innovative wine-making process was developed to valorise the grape wastes generated by the cluster thinning of Merlot grapes growing in La Cura winery (Tuscany, Italy). The production protocol is based on an annually variable blend between Aleatico and Merlot or Cabernet grapes, differently treated before winemaking in order to increase their sugar content. By the merging of the chemical and sensorial characterization of the wines analysed, it was possible to conclude that their colour appears mainly influenced by the meteorological conditions recorded during grape growing, while the ageing process deeply influences their volatile composition.