Traditional vinification process is undertaken with the inoculation of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) at the
end of alcoholic fermentation (AF) to induce malolactic fermentation (MLF). MLF is an important phase
during winemaking and the LAB co-inoculation with yeast starter represents a promising approach to
enhance the quality and safety of wine. In this investigation we have studied: i) the effect of timing of
LAB inoculation on the vinification dynamics and chemical features of Negroamaro wines; ii) the interactions
between two commercial yeast and two commercial Oenococcus oeni strains. The fermentations
dynamics were monitored by microbial counts, quantifying L-malic acid concentration and
analyzing the volatile compounds contents in the obtained wines. Our results indicate that simultaneous
yeasts/bacteria inoculation at the beginning of vinification reduces the processes duration and simultaneously
lowers of volatile acidity. Wine obtained after co-inoculum showed a profile dominated by red
and ripe fruits notes associated to esters and to buttery and creamy notes linked to diethyl succinate and
ethyl lactate. Furthermore, compatibility specification between commercial yeasts and LAB strains were
observed, suggesting the importance of the assessment of microbial-compatibility before their utilization
in large-scale vinification.