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Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2026.

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Main Author: Vlok van Zyl, Anna Hendrieka
Other Authors: Brand, Jeanne
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University 2026
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access_status_str Open Access
author Vlok van Zyl, Anna Hendrieka
author2 Brand, Jeanne
author_browse Brand, Jeanne
Vlok van Zyl, Anna Hendrieka
author_facet Brand, Jeanne
Vlok van Zyl, Anna Hendrieka
author_sort Vlok van Zyl, Anna Hendrieka
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv Stellenbosch University
description Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2026.
format Thesis
id oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/135599
institution Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
language English
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:43:26.328Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository
publishDate 2026
publishDateRange 2026
publishDateSort 2026
publisher Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
publisherStr Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
record_format dspace
source_str SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository
spelling oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/135599 Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach Vlok van Zyl, Anna Hendrieka Brand, Jeanne Oelofse, Sulette Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Viticulture and Oenology and Institute for Biotechnology. Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. Vlok van Zyl, A. H. 2026. Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/5d9544a0-305e-452b-95d8-2d688109834a Described as a complex beverage, wine is enjoyed by many, with associated quality rather difficult to define. Novice wine consumers are guided by experts in terms of wine quality identified and associated with certain wines, however many consumers lack wine knowledge and find it difficult to further express what they prefer. South Africa is a country rich in diversity of cultures, difference within each culture and between age cohorts, making market segmentation an option to consider identifying specific target markets to better marketing strategies and gaining more market share. The focus of this study is to determine cross-cultural wine quality drivers by means of a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach. In most studies chemistry and sensory data will be analysed but the consumer data will be excluded. This study was conducted by using two South African style wine cultivars Sauvignon blanc and Shiraz/Syrah as not a lot of information to date is available on these wines with indicated preference of South African wine consumers. The consumer target group is Generation Y (born in 1981 to 1996) with a focus on wine consumers from different cultures: Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho/Tswana, Afrikaans and English. Sensory analysis by wine experts (free listing in combination with quality and typicality scoring), trained panels (Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA), Descriptive analysis) and consumers (preference ranking) were conducted. Chemical analysis such as major volatiles, thiols, oak lactones, phenolics, methoxypyrazines, alcohol, pH, volatile acidity (VA), total acidity (TA), organic- acids and sugars were conducted to see if there are any correlation between wine precursors of flavour and consumer preference by means of multivariate data analysis approach. Quality and preference drivers were explored through chemosensory profiling by multifactor analysis (MFA) using quantitative data (sensory and chemical data). After sensory evaluation consumers completed a survey to obtain further insights into cultural context, wine style and occasion. Difference in wine style preferences, wine occasion and wine consumption frequency were identified between different genders but also different language groups. Industry expert focus groups were conducted to obtain information on wine style produced and target market for the South African wine consumers. However, they need insights into how to “move” South African consumers from a beer to a wine drinking nation. Current styles applied might be too far away for many Generation Y consumers preferring lighter (less wood), fruitier and lower in alcohol wines. Consumer focus groups were conducted to obtain a better understanding of South African wine consumer choice based on internal and external cues, what they associate as a quality wine and what they see as the “missing link” to support them in their wine choice. A need for wine education was highlighted by both the industry experts and consumers. To better understand the extrinsic cues, producers need a better understanding of the different cultures. Although this study is only a small representative sample it gives insights into consumer preference, liking and emotions associated when it comes to wine style choice by South African wine consumers. Master 2026-04-02T08:07:33Z 2026-04-02T08:07:33Z 2026-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/135599 en Stellenbosch University 145 pages application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
spellingShingle Vlok van Zyl, Anna Hendrieka
Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach
title Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach
title_full Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach
title_fullStr Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach
title_full_unstemmed Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach
title_short Determining cross-cultural wine quality drivers: a chemical, sensorial and data fusion approach
title_sort determining cross cultural wine quality drivers a chemical sensorial and data fusion approach
url https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/135599
work_keys_str_mv AT vlokvanzylannahendrieka determiningcrossculturalwinequalitydriversachemicalsensorialanddatafusionapproach