The presence of phenolic compounds can make a great contribution to the perception of astringency in
red wines based on their interactions with proteins. Human salivary protein and bovine serum albumin
were used in this study to investigate the relationship between astringency and polyphenol composition.
The interactions between polyphenols and proteins were analysed by means of electrophoresis and
fluorescence spectra, and they were further confirmed by sensory analysis. The results indicate that a
positive correlation existed among the percentage of polymeric proanthocyanidins and the total phenols.
Additionally, astringent wine was generally identified as having a high percentage of polymeric fragments.
In comparison with other fractions, polymeric fractions exhibited the highest affinity for protein, and thus
the highest astringency.
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