glutathione or glutathion, sulfur-containing compound (tripeptide) found in grape juice and an important antioxidant which has been shown to play a significant part in the ageing of wines, and in protecting them from premature oxidation. It also has an important role in the formation of the precursors of volatile sulfur compounds and in stabilizing the volatile sulfur compounds which characterize the aroma of Sauvignon Blanc and possibly some other white grape varieties.
Pre-harvest, glutathione plays a major role in grape composition, for example, by increasing the stability within the cell of polyphenols, aldehydes, and other sensory precursors which conjugate with glutathione.
