Exploratory terroir differentiation of Fetească Neagră wines via volatile aroma compounds in Moldovan regions

Abstract

This study centers on exploratory terroir differentiation by analyzing Fetească Neagră wines from seven vineyards across Moldova. All wines were vinified under a standardized protocol to control for winemaking variables, and volatile aroma compounds were characterized using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). A total of 33 volatile compounds were identified, among which terpinolene - rarely found in high concentrations in red wines was notably present across samples, suggesting its potential as a varietal aroma marker of Fetească Neagră. Despite uniform vinification, the wines exhibited distinct aromatic profiles across vineyard origins. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that higher hydrothermal coefficients (HTC) were positively associated with C6 alcohols, contributing to green aromas; larger diurnal temperature ranges during the ripening and varietal periods favored the accumulation of esters, particularly ethyl butanoate; and the combined effect of heat and water stress influenced higher alcohol formation. Additionally, higher concentrations of soil K2O and NH4+ were associated with suppressed levels of certain alcohols and esters. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of GC-IMS as a tool for characterizing terroir-driven aroma patterns in native grape varieties. The findings confirm that Fetească Neagră expresses significant aromatic variation under differing terroir conditions, providing a scientific basis for the development of aroma-based regional identification standards and descriptive terroir frameworks for Moldovan wines. More broadly, this integrative approach offers a transferable methodological reference for future precision vineyard management and for promoting sustainable, quality-oriented development in high-value agricultural systems.