Long-Read Genome Assembly of Saccharomyces uvarum Strain CBS 7001

Here, we report a long-read genome assembly for Saccharomyces uvarum strain CBS 7001 based on PacBio whole-genome shotgun sequence data. Our assembly provides an improved reference genome for an important yeast in the Saccharomyces sensu stricto clade.

Convergent adaptation of Saccharomyces uvarum to sulfite, an antimicrobial preservative widely used in human-driven fermentations

Different species can find convergent solutions to adapt their genome to the same evolutionary constraints, although functional convergence promoted by chromosomal rearrangements in different species has not previously been found. In this work, we discovered that two domesticated yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Saccharomyces uvarum, acquired chromosomal rearrangements to convergently adapt to the presence of sulfite in fermentation environments. We found two new heterologous chromosomal translocations in fermentative strains of S. uvarum at the SSU1 locus, involved in sulfite resistance, an antimicrobial additive widely used in food production. These are convergent events that share similarities with other SSU1 locus chromosomal translocations previously described in domesticated S. cerevisiae strains. In S. uvarum, the newly described VIIXVI and XIXVI chromosomal translocation generate an overexpression of the SSU1 gene and confer increased sulfite resistance. This study highlights the relevance of chromosomal rearrangements to promote the adaptation of yeast to anthropic environments.

Unique volatile chemical profiles produced by indigenous and commercial strains of Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae during laboratory-scale Chardonnay fermentations

Each wine growing region hosts unique communities of indigenous yeast species, which may enter fermentation and contribute to the final flavour profile of wines. One of these species, Saccharomyces uvarum, is typically described as a cryotolerant yeast that produces relatively high levels of glycerol and rose-scented volatile compounds as compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the main yeast in winemaking. Comparisons of fermentative and chemical properties between S. uvarum and S. cerevisiae at the species level are relatively common; however, a paucity of information has been collected on the potential variability present among S. uvarum strains. The objective of this study was to compare the fermentation kinetics and production of volatile compounds between indigenous and commercial Saccharomyces strains at different temperatures. We compared laboratory-scale fermentation of Chardonnay juice at 15 °C and 25 °C for 11 Saccharomyces yeast strains (six indigenous S. uvarum, one commercial S. uvarum, one indigenous S. cerevisiae and three commercial S. cerevisiae). Fermentation kinetics and the production of volatile compounds known to affect the organoleptic properties of wine were determined. The indigenous S. uvarum strains showed comparable kinetics to commercially sourced strains at both temperatures. Volatile compound production among the strains was more variable at 15 °C and resulted in unique chemical profiles at 15 °C as compared with 25 °C. Indigenous S. uvarum strains produced relatively high levels of 2-phenylethyl acetate and 2-phenylethanol, whereas these compounds were found at much lower levels in fermentations conducted by commercial strains of both S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum. Production of glycerol by indigenous S. uvarum strains did not differ from commercial strains in this study. Our findings demonstrate that indigenous strains of S. uvarum show functional variation among themselves. However, when compared with commercial S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum strains, they have comparable fermentation kinetics but unique volatile compound profiles, especially at low fermentation temperatures.

An indigenous Saccharomyces uvarum population with high genetic diversity dominates uninoculated Chardonnay fermentations at a Canadian winery

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the primary yeast species responsible for most fermentations in winemaking. However, other yeasts, including Saccharomyces uvarum, have occasionally been found conducting commercial fermentations around the world. S. uvarum is typically associated with white wine fermentations in cool-climate wine regions, and has been identified as the dominant yeast in fermentations from France, Hungary, northern Italy, and, recently, Canada. However, little is known about how the origin and genetic diversity of the Canadian S. uvarum population relates to strains from other parts of the world. In this study, a highly diverse S. uvarum population was found dominating uninoculated commercial fermentations of Chardonnay grapes sourced from two different vineyards. Most of the strains identified were found to be genetically distinct from S. uvarum strains isolated globally. Of the 106 strains of S. uvarum identified in this study, four played a dominant role in the fermentations, with some strains predominating in the fermentations from one vineyard over the other. Furthermore, two of these dominant strains were previously identified as dominant strains in uninoculated Chardonnay fermentations at the same winery two years earlier, suggesting the presence of a winery-resident population of indigenous S. uvarum. This research provides valuable insight into the diversity and persistence of non-commercial S. uvarum strains in North America, and a stepping stone for future work into the enological potential of an alternative Saccharomyces yeast species.

Saccharomyces uvarum yeast isolate consumes acetic acid during fermentation of high sugar juice and juice with high starting volatile acidity

Aim: A Saccharomyces uvarum isolate was assessed for its ability to metabolize acetic acid present in juice and during the fermentation of partially dehydrated grapes. The impact on other yeast metabolites was also compared using an S. uvarum isolate and an S. cerevisiae wine yeast. The upper limit of fruit concentration that allowed the S. uvarum isolate to ferment wines to < 5 g/L residual sugar was defined.Methods and results: Cabernet franc grapes were partially dehydrated to three different post-harvest sugar targets (24.5 °Brix, 26.0 °Brix, and 27.5 °Brix) along with non-dehydrated grapes (21.5 °Brix control). Musts from all treatments were vinified with either the S. uvarum isolate CN1, formerly identified as S. bayanus, or S. cerevisiae EC1118. All wines were successfully vinified to less than 5 g/L residual sugar. Fermentation kinetics between the two yeasts were similar for all wines other than 27.5 °Brix, where CN1 took three days longer. During fermentation with CN1, acetic acid peaked on day two, then decreased in concentration, resulting in final wine acetic acid lower than that measured on day two. Wines fermented with EC1118 showed an increase in acetic acid over the time-course of fermentation. Significantly lower wine oxidative compounds (acetic acid, acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate) and higher glycerol resulted in wine produced with CN1 in comparison to EC1118. Both yeasts produced comparable ethanol at each Brix level tested. Further studies showed that CN1 lowered acetic acid seven-fold from 0.48 g/L in juice to 0.07 g/L in wine whereas EC1118 reduced acetic acid to 0.18 g/L.Conclusions: The autochthonous S. uvarum yeast isolate successfully fermented partially dehydrated grapes to < 5 g/L sugar up to 27.5 ºBrix. The consumption rate of acetic acid was faster than its production during fermentation, resulting in low acetic acid, acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate in wine in comparison to a commercial S. cerevisiae yeast while consistently producing higher glycerol.Significance and impact of the study: The S. uvarum yeast isolate can metabolize acetic acid during fermentation to significantly lower acetic acid, ethyl acetate and acetaldehyde in wine. It can also reduce acetic acid by seven-fold from the starting juice to the finished wine, which could have potential application for managing sour rot arising in the vineyard or during the dehydration process in making appassimento-style wines.