A pleasant-smelling ester (also known as amyl acetate, isoamyl acetate or isopentyl acetate), which occurs in varying quantities in all fermented beverages. In wine, higher concentrations of this substance produce an aroma of bananas and pears (also known as pear ether or pear oil). It is particularly common in cold-fermented wines, especially after a carbonic maceration (carbonic acid mixture). The ester is considered a possible main component of the typical varietal flavour of the Pinotage grape variety. Due to its pleasant odour, the substance is used, for example, in the production of sweets, essences, fruit juice and lemonade, for liqueurs as well as in perfumery and for scenting shoe polish. Another acetic acid compound is acetic acid ethyl ester.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien