Acetic acid bacteria in oenology

Abstract

Acetic acid bacteria have always been considered the bad microorganisms of oenology; responsible for wine spoiling (vinegary taint). The taxonomy and our knowledge of the metabolism of acetic acid bacteria are rapidly evolving, especially as new molecular biology techniques are applied to this fastidious group of microorganisms, which are still rather difficult to work with. The dramatic change that acetic acid bacteria taxonomy has undergone can be summarized by the transformation of 2 genera and 5 species in 1984 into 10 genera and over 40 species at present. The powerful molecular tools used in taxonomy are not appropriate for frequent use in identification and ecological studies; yet new molecular tools for routine analysis have also been developed. These provide new insights and means of controlling this microbial group. Furthermore, these advances have improved vinegar production; a process where the presence of acetic acid bacteria is essential. The WINEGAR European Project is evidence of these improvements in vinegar production.