Impact of Encapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeasts on the Chemical and Sensory Profiles of Sparkling Cider Produced by the Champenoise Method

The cider market has been significantly expanding and gaining momentum in Eastern Europe. As such, the aim of this study was to obtain sparkling cider via the Champenoise method using two Romanian apple varieties (Topaz and Red Topaz) alongside the employment of two fermentations. Four yeast strains were used in the first fermentation, while encapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used in the second fermentation. The resulting cider was subjected to a comprehensive investigation to quantitatively determine the carbohydrates, organic acids, volatile and phenolic compounds, and amino acids from all the cider samples. A trained panel evaluated the sensory profile of the samples, and a chemometric analysis was used to interpret the data. Secondary fermentation increased the accumulation of malic acid and lactic acid, as well as the volatile profile complexity. The total polyphenol content in the sparkling cider samples increased by almost 20% in the S. cerevisiae sample and over 217% in the P. kluyveri + S. cerevisiae sample compared to the base cider. Additionally, studying the production and consumption trends of sparkling cider offers valuable insights for both producers and consumers. By understanding consumer preferences and refining production techniques, the industry can deliver higher-quality products that better align with market demands.