Wine lees CO2 extract (CAS 8016-21-5) — Balsamic Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Balsamic · Woody

Wine lees CO2 extract

CAS 8016-21-5

Origin
natural
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Wine lees CO2 extract?

Wine lees CO2 extract is a natural fragrance ingredient derived from the sediment of fermented wine. You’ll encounter its rich, vinous character in luxury perfumes and gourmand fragrances. This extract captures the essence of aged wine barrels and fermented grapes. It matters because it adds unparalleled depth and complexity to fragrances, bridging fruity and woody accords with a hint of boozy sophistication.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Natural origin
Alcohol content requires formulation care
CAS
8016-21-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Balsamic · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Wine lees CO2 extract Smell Like?

A deep, intoxicating aroma reminiscent of ancient wine cellars – starts with jammy blackcurrant and prune notes that evolve into a heart of oaky vanillins and fermented grape skins. The dry-down reveals leathery tannins and a whisper of balsamic vinegar complexity. Like sniffing a well-aged Bordeaux left open in a cedar-lined study, with undertones of dried figs and tobacco.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait(Maison Francis Kurkdjian, 2015)

Used here to amplify the ambery-saffron core with vinous depth, creating a shimmering effect between the sharp metallic notes and warm woody base.

Oud Satin Mood(Maison Francis Kurkdjian, 2017)

The wine lees extract bridges the rose-oud accord with a velvety fermented fruit character, softening the oud’s medicinal edge.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Wine lees CO2 extract is a complex mixture of fermentation byproducts obtained through supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. This method preserves delicate aromatic compounds including ethyl esters, oak lactones, and phenolic aldehydes that would be damaged by steam distillation. The extract contains varying ratios of tartaric acid, residual sugars, and yeast autolysis products depending on the wine varietal source.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceDark viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (8+ hours)
Blending
Challenging
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Powerful modifier
Home Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Use sparingly

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Oakmoss = Vintage chypre + Tobacco + Honey = Gentleman’s club

Tip: Balance with clean musks to prevent excessive heaviness in the dry-down.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Cognac essential oil CAS 8016-21-5

Offers similar boozy notes but with brighter top notes and less sediment character.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions. Classified as natural complex substance.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe at current usage levels based on wine consumption history.

Sustainability

Sourced as a byproduct of winemaking, making it a circular economy material. CO2 extraction avoids solvent waste but requires significant energy input. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the full complexity.

Explore Wine lees CO2 extract

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References

  1. Ebeler SE (2001). Analytical chemistry: unlocking the secrets of wine flavor. Food Reviews International. DOI 10.1081/FRI-100104704

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8016-21-5

Odor & Flavor

Cognac green oil is formed during the fermentation of yeast and other sediments in wine lees or from the residual cakes of wine expression in 0.07 to 0.12% and 0.036 and 0.066% yields, respectively. It is the primary constituent responsible for the distinct cognac aroma in wines (i.e., a fruity note).📖 Fenaroli

Regulatory Status

IOFI ClassificationNatural📖 Fenaroli
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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