Effects of light-shielding treatment on the quality and flavor of 'Ziyan' tea wine during storage: Insights from color, taste, and aroma.

Light exposure during storage is crucial for colored alcoholic beverages. 'Ziyan' tea wine is an anthocyanin-rich low-alcohol beverage, while the impact of light on its quality during storage remains unclear. Here, effects of light-shielding storage on the color, chemical composition, and aroma of 'Ziyan' tea wine were systematically investigated. Results showed that light-shielding suppressed the increase in hue angle, which increased by 7.17 (13.3 in unshielded group). It slowed the decline in anthocyanins content (11.5% retention after 12 months). Besides, the light-shielded group exhibited lower total amino acid content but higher flavonoid level, resulting a more pronounced bitterness and astringency. Moreover, most key volatiles (rOAV > 1), including ketones, alcohols, terpenoids, and esters, were higher in the light-shielded groups. It increased the content of substances contributing fruity, fresh, and green notes. Overall, light-shielding mitigated the quality changes in color, taste, and aroma during 'Ziyan' tea wine storage, thereby extending its shelf life.