Impact of Yeast Strain Diversity Lucy Joseph Department of Viticulture and Enology UC Davis

Outline of Yeast Diversity Overview of biological strain diversity Commercial yeast strains Choosing a yeast strain Native yeast strains Interaction with other yeast and fungi and bacteria

What is a Strain? Strains are the same species of organism They have measureable differences These differences are consistent and inherited Strains are often a clonal population (budding) Differences may be genetic or due to the expression of genetic material

How do Differences Arise? Genetic change on the chromosome either by sequence or position Genetic difference in organelle DNA, example: mitochondrial or ribosomal DNA Genetic mutation in or loss or gain of extra- chromosomal DNA Extra copies of chromosomes, anueploid/polyploid Hybrids between Saccharomyces species Inherited transcriptional state, i.e. epigenetic Inherited protein conformational state i.e. prion

Selection for Differences Natural variation occurs Unfavorable variants selected against Favorable variants more likely to survive and reproduce New Strain

Domesticated vs. Wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae Wild Saccharomyces are found in the vineyard and in oak trees and soil near vineyards Domesticated Saccharomyces are found in the winery and for sale from inoculant companies Domesticated yeast are typically better suited for making wine They are selected both naturally and purposefully to survive and thrive in the winery environment

Definition of Domesticated ‘species bred in captivity and thereby modified from its wild ancestors in ways making it more useful to humans who control its reproduction and (in the case of animals) its food supply’ Diamond J (2002) Evolution, consequences and future of plant and animal domestication Nature, 418, 700–707

Wine Yeast and Other Domesticated Yeast LeGras et.al. Molecular Ecology (2007) 16:

Characteristics Selected For in Wine Acid Tolerance Temperature range Sulfite resistance – Vineyard and Winery Fermentation speed Alcohol tolerance Nitrogen requirement Competitiveness

What traits do you want in a yeast?

Characteristics not Selected for in Nature Sensory properties – Low VA, SO 2, H 2 S – Positive ester production – Enhanced mouthfeel Those important in production – Low foam production – Flocculation – ML compatibility

What traits do you want in a yeast?

Choosing a Yeast Strain Consider yeast as a tool for wine making Factors to Consider: Grape varietal Brix and alcohol Fermentation temperature Additions Production capacity Wine making style – ML, aging, micro-ox, etc.

Before Inoculation

Testing May Affect Your Yeast Choice… If you might add nitrogen or use a yeast that doesn’t require high nitrogen If other nutrients are lacking If you should consider a yeast that tolerates high alcohol If you are concerned about H 2 S or SO 2 production

Other factors for your considerations…

Native Fermentations Yeasts other than Saccharomyces can occur and complete fermentations Commercial strains can persist in the winery Native strains may have greater potential for change (instability) Potential for strains with undesirable characteristics to dominate and persist Multiple strain fermentations are more likely to occur

Stuck Fermentation Once a fermentation sticks it can be hard to un-stick Some strains do better than others at this Native fermentations should be monitored more closely

Sensory Defects These may occur more often with native fermentations Monitor closely Consider inoculation at first signs of trouble The point of inoculation is to get rapid and consistent fermentations

Mixed Fermentations Pro: – Wild yeasts can add complexity to wines – More than one strain of Saccharomyces could add complexity and unique character – Diverse population may handle stress better Con: – Competition between yeasts and strains can select for those with undesirable traits – Strains that grow well do not always produce the best wine

Other Microbe Interactions Some yeasts are not compatible with ML conversion – Possibly due to more complete utilization of nutrients leaving less for Oenococcus High SO 2 can inhibit ML Low pH can also prevent ML

Other Microbe Interactions Specialty wines like botrytized have specific issues, botrytized wines will have far more diverse flora making fermentation more of a challenge Sparkling and sherry wines have another yeast fermentation during the second stage of production which must be compatible with the first yeast

Summary By Analogy….

Domesticated Organisms Retain Much Diversity

Strains are Bred for Specific Conditions No single strain does well under all conditions No single strain serves all purposes

Some Strains are Just More Pleasing to the Senses

Wild Strains Have the Most Diversity