Recycling and conversion of yeasts into organic nitrogen sources for wine fermentation: Effects on molecular and sensory attributes

<jats:p>Organic nitrogen plays a significant role in the fermentation performance and production of esters and higher alcohols. This study assessed the use of yeast protein hydrolysate (YPH) as a nitrogen source for grape must fermentation. In this study, we prepared an enzymatic protein hydrolysate using yeasts recovered from a previous fermentation of wine. Three treatments were performed. DAP supplementation was used as a control, while two YPH treatments were used. Low (LDH) and high degrees of hydrolysis (HDH), 3.5% and 10%, respectively, were chosen. Gas chromatography and principal component analysis indicated a significant positive influence of YPH-supplementations on the production of esters and higher alcohols. Significantly high concentrations of 3-methyl-1-penthanol, isoamyl alcohol, isobutanol, and 2-phenylethanol were observed. Significant odorant activity was obtained for 3-methyl-1-pentanol and ethyl-2-hexenoate. The use of YPH as nitrogen supplementation is justified as a recycling yeasts technique by the increase in volatile compounds.</jats:p>