Dynamic transformation in flavor during hawthorn wine fermentation: Sensory properties and profiles of nonvolatile and volatile aroma compounds coupled with multivariate analysis

Fermentation stage is a crucial factor for flavor profiles formation of hawthon wine. Thus, comprehensive knowledge of dynamic relationship between nonvolatile (NVOCs) and volatile aroma compounds (VOCs) from hawthorn wine at different fermentation stages was investigated by GC–MS and HPLC coupled with multivariate analysis. The increase of alcohols/esters/acids but decrease of terpenes/aldehydes/ketones was observed as fermentation extension. Specifically, OAV of ethyl acetate, ethyl caprylate, and ethyl caprate was > 50 from the 3rd day to 10th day, giving more fruity properties. Multivariate analysis showed that 1-hexanol, ethyl myristate, isobutyric acid, et al., were linked to the sensory evaluation of “sweet”, “floral” and “fruity”, and fructose, glucose and bitter amino acids were responsible for reduction of “bitterness” and “astringency”. Additionally, VOCs were positively correlated with organic acids while negative to amino acids/soluble sugars, probably due to metabolization as precursors, providing references for aroma enhancement by regulating NVOCs precursors. [Display omitted] •NVOCs and VOCs during 14-days fermentation of hawthorn wine were investigated.•Fermentation improved “sweet”/“fruity” while reducing “bitterness”/“astringency”.•The aroma of “sweet”, “floral” and “fermented” were linked to esters and alcohols.•Most VOCs were negative to amino acids/sugars due to metabolization as precursors.•Aroma enhancement of wine can be achieved by exogenous addition of precursors.