Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines produced with grapes dried under controlled conditions (7 C, 35%
relative humidity and airflow of 12 m3
/s) were chemical and sensory characterized. Cabernet Sauvignon
and Merlot grapes were vinified at the time of harvest (control wines) and after 30 and 40 g/100 g
dehydration to wines produced with dried grapes. The Merlot wine produced with 40 g/100 g dried
grapes, and the Cabernet Sauvignon wine produced with 30 g/100 g dried grapes, showed the highest
levels of total polyphenols and total antioxidant activity. The elemental content was highest in wines
produced with dried grapes. Sensory characterization showed that wines produced with dehydrated
grapes exhibited typical descriptors of liqueur wines such as red-orange colour and high viscosity and
alcoholic sensation. Principal component analysis confirmed that the grape dehydration process under
controlled conditions influenced the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of the wines
produced, mainly from 40 g/100 g dried grape, yielding differentiated and high value-added products.
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