Name for a flavouring substance (also known as sotilone) with a lactone structure, which is why it is also referred to as sugar or fenugreek lactone. The substance was identified by Japanese scientists in the 1970s as a flavour component of raw cane sugar. It is liquid at room temperature and is characterised by an extremely low perception threshold of around 2.5 ppb (parts per billion).
At low concentrations, the odour is reminiscent of maple syrup, dried fruit, caramel or burnt sugar; at higher concentrations, it is reminiscent of clover, curry, hazelnut, lovage, walnut, Maggi and roasted tobacco. The compound is preferentially formed in carbohydrate-rich media and typically occurs during oxidative ageing or prolonged maturation. The substance can also be produced synthetically, but addition to wine is not permitted.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien