Nine Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures, isolated from different sources, were tested for their ability to
reduce tannins reactive towards salivary proteins, and potentially responsible for wine astringency.
Strains were preliminary genetically characterized and evaluated for physiological features of technological
interest. Laboratory-scale fermentations were performed in three synthetic media: CT) containing
enological grape tannin; CTP) CT supplemented with organic nitrogen sources; CTPV) CTP supplemented
with vitamins. Adsorption of total tannins, tannins reactive towards salivary proteins, yellow pigments,
phenolics having antioxidant activity, and total phenols, characterizing the enological tannin, was
determined by spectrophotometric methods after fermentation. The presence of vitamins and peptones
in musts greatly influenced the adsorption of tannins reactive towards salivary proteins (4.24 g/L gallic
acid equivalent), thus promoting the reduction of the potential astringency of model wines. With
reference to the different phenolic classes, yeast strains showed different adsorption abilities. From a
technological point of view, the yeast choice proved to be crucial in determining changes in gustative and
mouthfeel profile of red wines and may assist winemakers to modulate colour and astringency of wine