Shelf-Life Stability of Red Noble Muscadine Wine in Cans and Bottles: Chemical and Color Analysis

Wines are traditionally packaged in glass bottles, but recent advancements in the can liner technology have made cans more practical and economically appealing for wineries. However, limited research has been published on how packaging affects muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) wine quality. This project investigated the chemical changes in carbonated red muscadine wine packaged in aluminum cans and glass bottles at accelerated and ambient temperatures (35.9 °C/24.8 °C). Across both packaging types, there was a 54% reduction in the anthocyanin concentration (4506 mg/L to 2096 mg/L) over the ambient storage period, which followed a temperature coefficient (Q10) of 1.83. Most analyses had no significant differences between packaging types, notably volatile organic compounds and anthocyanins. Wine color measured by a colorimeter (ΔE2000) showed no correlation over time, suggesting undetectable differences for casual consumers. These findings suggest that wine packaged in bottles and cans exhibits comparable chemical changes over time, supporting cans as a viable alternative package.