2-aminoacetophenone

Technical specification

Assessment

The best way to detect grape-like characters in wine is as follows. Cover the sample with your hand and swirl the glass to release the aroma. Remove your hand and take a single long sniff. Repeat as necessary.

Amount of flavour per capsule

1.25 mg per capsule

Threshold

The flavour threshold of 2-aminoacetophenone in wine is 1 - 40 µg / l.

Origins

2-Aminoacetophenone is a varietal character contributed through use of certain grape varieties (e.g. Vitis labsrusca). It is also formed from tryptophan present in wine. 2-Aminoacetophenone is associated with ageing of wine in the absence of lees, and use of new barrels.

Importance

2-Aminoacetophenone imparts a fruity, grape-like odour to wine, reminiscent of lime blossom, putty and taco shells depending on the concentration. It is associated with the atypical (premature) ageing of white wine - in such cases it t is often found together with sotolon. The key drivers of this fault are not fully understood though vine stress during drought conditions is known to be involved.

CAS registry number

The CAS registry number of 2-aminoacetophenone is 551-93-9.

Other names

• 1-(2-aminophenyl)ethanone
• 2-acetyl analine
• ortho- acetyl aniline
• 2-acetyl phenyl amine
• ortho-aminoacetophenone
• ortho-aminoacetyl benzene
• 2-aminophenyl methyl ketone
• ortho-aminophenyl methyl ketone
• 1-(2-aminophenyl) ethanone
• 1-(2-aminophenyl)ethanone

Remarks

When contributed to wine as a varietal character, 2-aminoacetophenone occurs together with methyl anthranilate to impart a distinctive fruity (foxy) character.

Threshold distribution

Capsules per pot

10