Wine Microbiology

A.Y. 2019/2020
3
Max ECTS
24
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/16
Language
English
Learning objectives
The Wine Microbiology class contributes to the education and training in the MSC in Viticulture and Enology Sciences in the teaching domain of the Area Technologies of Oenological Transformation. The class has the final goal to describe to the student the wine microbiology. The student will learn important concepts concerning the yeasts and bacteria involved in wine fermentations and will have the possibility to understand their role in the determination of the wine quality through their metabolisms. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation will be described and in detailed analysed.
Expected learning outcomes
The Wine Microbiology class aims at delivering to the student a knowledge in the field of wine microbiology by delivering classes and laboratories related to the role of yeasts and bacteria in the production of wine. Very relevant are the metabolic activities of those microorganisms, which define the transformation process from must to wine.

More in detail:

Knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

- to identify the main yeasts and bacteria relevant in wine-making;

- to describe the biochemistry of the wine fermentations;

- to describe microbiological analysis for must and wine.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

- to be able to identify the main yeasts and bacteria during a wine fermentation;

- to explain the relevant biochemical pathways during wine fermentation;

- to evaluate the most proper microbiological analysis to apply in the analysis of a wine fermentation.

Making judgements

At the end of the course, the student should know:

- to interpret the results of a microbiological analysis of musts and wines;

- to manage a fermentation by the microbiological point of view.

Communication skills

At the end of the course, the student should know:

- to use the correct technical terminology in the field of wine microbiology;

- to communicate the most relevant aspects of a wine fermentations.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1. Determination of yeasts in a fermenting grape must (enumeration of non-Saccaromyces species and S. cerevisiae). Microscopic observations: morphological traits of wine yeasts;
2. Checking the hygiene of personnel and of surfaces by the use of Petri-Contact;
3. Microbial air monitoring;
4. Fermentative power and vigour of a commercial wine yeast;
5. Analysis of a commercial wine yeast: determination of the total yeast count using a cultural method and the microscopic observation with counting chamber;
6. Analysis of the technological traits of a wine yeast: H2S production;
7. Microbiological stability of bottled wine with plate count technique and filtration: determination of malolactic bacteria, determination of B. bruxellensis and acetic bacteria;
8. Microbiological control of drinking water;
9. Assessing the contamination of a bottle cork cap;
10. Assessing the flocculation character of a wine yeast.
Prerequisites for admission
English as Second Language, Level "B2". The notions of the Microbiology course are considered useful.
Teaching methods
Teaching is provided through laboratory lessons.
Teaching Resources
Teaching material is available on Ariel platform.
Also suggested: "Oenological Microbiology in the Laboratory" A. Cavazza, V. Tini, c. Zambonelli. Casa Ed. REDA - Edizioni per l'agricoltura.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Type of exam: written test organized in open-ended questions; effective duration of 60 minutes. The exam represent a part of the full course of Wine Microbiology. Registration to the exam session by UNIMIA system and MyUNITO is mandatory.
Evaluation parameters: demonstration of acquisition of the concepts; ability to organize knowledge discursively; correct use of the specialized vocabulary.
Evaluation: mark out of thirty.
AGR/16 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor: Vigentini Ileana
Shifts:
-
Professor: Vigentini Ileana
Professor(s)