Exploration of consumer perception of Sauvignon Blanc wines with enhanced aroma properties using two different descriptive methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate consumers' perception of a complex set of stimuli as aromatically enriched wines. For that, two consumer based profiling methods were compared, concurrently run with overall liking measurements: projective mapping based on choice or preference (PM-C), a newly proposed method, and check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions with an ideal sample, a more established, consumer-based method for product optimization. Reserve bottling and regular bottling of Sauvignon Blanc wines from three wineries were aromatically enriched with natural aromas collected by condensation during wine fermentation. A total of 144 consumers were enrolled in the study. The results revealed that both consumer-based highlighted the positive effect of aromatic enrichment on consumer perception and acceptance. However, PM-C generated a very detailed description, in which consumers focused less on the sensory aspects and more on the usage, attitudes, and reasons behind their choices. Providing a deeper understanding of the drivers of liking/disliking of enriched Sauvignon Blanc wines. [Display omitted] •Sauvignon Blanc wines were enriched with natural aromas collected from fermentation.•Projective mapping based on choice and CATA questions were performed by consumers.•Both methods showed the positive effect of aromatic enrichment on consumer perception.•Projective mapping based on choice generated a more detailed description than CATA.