BIOMETRIC STUDY OF ACETOIN PRODUCTION IN HANSENIASPORA-GUILLIERMONDIIAND KLOECKERA-APICULATA

Gas chromatographic analysis by direct injection of samples yielded qu antitative data on acetoin content. Ninety-six strains of Hanseniaspor a guilliermondii and Kloeckera apiculata were investigated for the abi lity to produce acetoin in synthetic medium and in must. High-level pr oduction of acetoin was found to be a characteristic of both species. In synthetic medium, the two species were not significantly different with respect to sugar utilization and ethanol or acetoin production. I n grape must, the two species were significantly different (P = 0.001) in acetoin production and K. apiculata exhibited a significantly nega tive correlation between acetoin production and either sugar consumpti on or ethanol production. Use of selected apiculate yeasts in mixed cu ltures with Saccharomyces cerevisiae seems promising for optimization of wine bouquet.