The enhancement or induction of the protein synthesis was clearly observed in cells of L. oenos labeled with S-35 for five proteins during heat shock at 42 degrees C and acid shock at pH 3. Furthermore, no stress protein was induced after exposure of L. oenos to ethanol shock 10% (v/v). Moreover, survival of L. oenos in wine and ability to perform malolactic fermentation was improved after direct inoculation when cells were pretreated at 42 degrees C.