Heterogeneity in genetic and phenotypic characteristics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from red and white wine fermentations

The genetic and phenotypic variability of 27 Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates from naturally fermented Greek wines was studied. RAPD-PCR allowed species identification of the isolates, while mtDNA restriction analysis enabled a considerably high discrimination at strain level. Moreover results on hydrolase profiles obtained by the API-ZYM system and some technological characteristics of the test strains, suggested a high heterogeneity and allowed the selection of strains with interesting vinification properties.