Fluoride levels in wines of the Canary Islands (Spain)

Fluoride content in bottled wines of the different types and areas of the Canary Islands was studied by direct potentiometry with a fluoride specific electrode using the addition method. We found a mean concentration of 0.15 mg/l and a standard deviation of 0.068. The biggest concentration of fluoride ion (0.50 mg/l) was found in a white wine of Tacoronte-Acentejo. However, all wines analyzed presented concentrations of fluoride lower than the maximum allowed by the International Office of the Vineyard and the Wine. So, the contribution of the Canarian wines to the fluoride daily intake does not represent any risk of fluorosis. Also these concentrations have no influence on the production process of the wine.     

Study of polyamines and their precursor amino acids in Grenache noir and Syrah grapes and wine of the Rhone Valley

Polyamines and their amino acid precursors were determined in Grenache and Syrah grapes and in wines made from these grapes. The compounds analysed were the polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, in addition to their precursors, ornithine, agmatine and arginine. The analytes were determined by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection using FMOC (fluorenylmethylchloroformate) as a pre-column derivatising agent Grape clusters were sampled from flowering to full maturity at different developmental stages. In addition, different berry parts were analysed separately from half veraison onwards. It appears that at berryset there is a decrease in the concentration of arginine, whereas polyamine concentrations remain constant at this stage. Concentrations of polyamines increased from must to alcoholic to malolactic fermentation; putrescine was the most abundant in wine (mean concentration after malolactic fermentation, MLF was 4.93 mg/l) followed by spermidine and then spermine (mean concentrations after MLF were 1.84 and 0.17 mg/l, respectively). In three of the four fermentation sites concentrations of all three compounds were greater in Syrah than in Grenache wines. In both varieties, it appears that polyamine biosynthesis occurs preferentially from arginine via agmatine. In all cases, concentrations of polyamines found in these grapes and wines were significantly below the levels typically found in other fermented foods.     

Occurrence of ethyl carbamate in three types of Chinese wines and its possible reasons

A total of 75 wines including 30 white wines, 31 red wines, and 14 sparkling wines were obtained from several regions in China (Sinkiang, Tonghua, Huailai, Yantai, Changli, Shanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia). Ethyl carbamate (EC) was detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The EC concentration ranged from less than 1.16 to 38.56 μg/L, and the concentrations in 17 wines exceeded the U.S. limit for table wines (15 μg/L). The concentrations of EC increased in the order of white, red, and sparkling wines with the corresponding mean concentrations of 6.12, 9.22, and 14.03 μg/L. The relationship between EC concentration and wine type suggested that EC concentrations in wines might be affected by vinification patterns, most likely due to the difference between EC precursors in different vinification processes. This work provides a novel clue for EC contamination in different wines.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in Italian wines.

A total of 96 red wines and 15 white dessert wines produced mostly in the years 1995-97 in 19 Italian regions were analysed for ochratoxin A (OTA). The amount of OTA ranged from < 1 to 3856 ng/l the median (mean) was found to be 90 (419) ng/l for the red wines and 8 (736) ng/l for the white dessert wines. Our survey shows that the geographic region of origin has a strong influence on OTA contamination, both for red and for dessert wines: in fact, wines produced in southern Italy were markedly more contaminated. The overall median (mean) OTA concentration in the red wines produced in the four Italian areas (northwest, northeast, centre and south) was 2 (11), 90 (81), 134 (295) and 1264 (1233) ng/l. The same trend was observed for the white dessert wines: OTA concentrations of over 1000 ng/l were found in four out of five samples from southern Italy (1185, 2454, 3477, 3856 ng/l), while central and northern samples showed very low contamination. The contribution of wine to mean daily OTA intake can be considered negligible in the case of people drinking wine manufactured in northern and central Italy; this is not true if a medium drinker constantly consumes red wine produced in southern Italy in this case wine alone could supply the diet with an amount of OTA equal to or even above the tolerable daily intake of 5 ng/kg body weight recommended by the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Commission.     

Selenium and mercury concentrations in sweet and dry bottled wines from the Canary Islands, Spain.

The concentrations of selenium and mercury were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in sweet and dry bottled wines from the Canary Islands, Spain. The concentrations of mercury ranged from 2.6 to 4.9 microg x l(-1) for sweet wines, and from 1.5 to 2.6 microg x l(-1) for dry wines, differences (p < 0.05) being observed according to the island of production and type of wine, but not with respect to vintage. The concentration of selenium varied between 1.0 and 2.0 microg x l(-1) for sweet wines, and between 0.6 and 1.6 microg x l(-1) for dry wines. Differences were found in the mean concentrations according to the type of wine. Dry wines produced in La Palma presented a higher (p < 0.05) mean content than those observed in the wines of El Hierro and Lanzarote.     

Is buttery aroma perception in wines predictable from the diacetyl concentration?

An important flavour compound associated with malolactic fermentation (MLF) is the volatile di-ketone, diacetyl (2,3-butanedione), which is considered as the major contributor to buttery flavour in wines. Commercial Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz wines from eight vintages (1992–1999), 20 viticultural regions and 28 wine producers were analysed for diacetyl and also the buttery aroma intensity was rated by a trained sensory panel. The wines examined were found to have a wide range of diacetyl concentration, i.e. 0.3 to 0.6 mg/L (mean value 0.4 mg/L) for the 24 Chardonnay wines, and 0.3 to 2.5 mg/L (mean value 1.1 mg/L) for the 43 red wines. The buttery aroma, while significantly correlated with diacetyl concentration in the Chardonnay wines ( P < 0.01), was not predicted very well by the regression equation, but the prediction was improved when the free sulfur dioxide concentration of the wines was taken into account (adjusted R²= 0.43, P < 0.01). There was a weak, although statistically significant, correlation between diacetyl concentration and the buttery rating for the red wine data set, when the sulfur dioxide concentration was taken into account (adjusted R²= 0.12, P < 0.05). This weak correlation may have been, in part, due to the generally low concentration of diacetyl in relation to the published aroma threshold in red wine. It was also noted that there was a substantial decrease in diacetyl concentration for a subset of red wines, but not for white wines, of various vintages cellared for three years at 15C.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in wine and grape juice marketed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ochratoxin A (OA) is receiving attention world-wide because of the hazard it poses to human health. The aim was to test the distribution of OA in grape juice, pulps of frozen grapes, and national and imported table wine obtained from markets in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Analytical methodology using immunoaffinity column for OA extraction and clean-up with a final separation on a reversed-phase (C(18)) column and fluorescence detection in high-performance liquid chromatography showed a detection limit of 21 ng l(-1). The mean recovery was 91% for red wines and 82% for white wines; while the mean recoveries for juices and pulps of frozen grapes were 91.6 and 88%, respectively. Of 64 samples of grape juice and frozen pulps, 25% were positive for OA, being the mean content of 37 ng l(-1) with a maximum concentration of 100 ng l(-1). In wines, the mean concentration detected in 80 samples analysed was 34.4 ng l(-1) with 28.75% of positive samples. Red wines showed the highest percentages and levels of contaminated samples: 38% and 37 ng l(-1), respectively. The white wine contained levels above 26 ng l(-1) in 17.75% of the analysed samples. The levels of contamination detected in red wine sold in Río de Janeiro were not enough to surpass the virtually safe dose established as 5 n g kg(-1) body weight of daily intake.     

Varietal and geographic classification of French red wines in terms of elements,amino acids and aromatic alcohols

Thirty-four French red wines from three regions already studied for their anthocyanin and flavonoid constituents have been further analysed for elements, amino acids and aromatic alcohols. An interpretation of the differences between wines related to their different geographic and varietal origins has been made from the results of statistical analyses: F statistic, principal component analysis (PCA) and stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA). Wine samples produced near Bordeaux were found to be characterised by higher rubidium and lower lithium and calcium concentrations. Differences between wine samples made from the same grape variety or produced in the same region are mainly related to differences in potassium and ash contents. The PCA demonstrates that the concentration of most amino acids in wines is mainly a function of the technology used in wine production. Moreover, it shows that the concentration of proline, hydroxyproline and ethanolamine are generally lower in wines prepared from Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache grapes than in wines from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot grapes. Finally, it shows clear differences between wines according to the latitude of the production centre. These differences correspond to increasing total nitrogen content from south to north, ie Narbonne and Bordeaux versus Angers. In discriminant analysis Bordeaux wines were characterised by high rubidium and low arginine concentrations, Angers wines by a lower arginine content and Narbonne wines by their abundance of magnesium and deficiency of ethanolamine.     

Distinguishing organic wines from normal wines on the basis of concentrations of phenolic compounds and spectral data

This study was undertaken to determine whether it is possible to distinguish organic wines from normal wines on the basis of chemical composition and spectral data. A total of 58 wine samples including organic and normal red and white wines from France and Germany were analysed. The concentrations of several phenolic compounds, including trans-resveratrol, were determined using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with both diode array and coulometric electrode array detection. In addition, total phenols, total acids, pH and SO₂ were determined. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra of wines were measured, and the absorbances at four different wavelengths were determined. The data were processed statistically using principal component analysis (PCA). Despite several different combinations of variables, separation of white wines was only achieved according to geographical origin. PCA differentiated well between organic Burgundy red wines and normal Burgundy wines. The separation was based on the concentrations of caffeic and gallic acids, total phenol content and the absorbance ratios A₂₅₄/A₂₇₆, A₂₇₆/A₃₂₀ and A₃₂₀/A₅₂₀. PCA was unable to differentiate organic white wines from corresponding normal wines. The mean trans-resveratrol concentrations of 16 organic red wines and 16 normal red wines were 5.6 mg/l and 2.9 mg/l, respectively. The highest concentration, 14,5 mg/l, was found in an organic red wine from the Loire district in France.     

Effect of terroir on the volatiles of Vitis vinifera cv. Albariño

The effect of terroir on volatiles of Vitis vinifera cv Albariño was studied. Twelve commercial Albariño wines from Galicia, Spain, were analysed. The content of varietals and fermentative volatile compounds was determined by gas chromatography. The numerous significant differences found for most of the aromatic compounds studied show the influence of the terroir. The Albariño wines from northern Galicia showed the highest total concentration of volatiles analysed. The volatile components showing the greatest differences in Albariño wines from different areas were terpenes and higher alcohols. Among the terpenes found, geraniol was markedly abundant in the north, while nerol and linalool were most abundant in the south. Among the alcohols, 2‐phenyl ethanol and benzyl alcohol showed the highest concentrations in the south and in the north, respectively. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis revealed two clearly defined main groups of Albariño wines from different terroirs. Albariño wines from the south were more heterogenic than those of the north. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Aromatic Compounds in Wines Produced During Fermentation: Effect of Three Red Cultivars

The aromatic compounds produced during the fermentation of the red grape cultivars Caiño Tinto, Caiño Longo, and Caiño Bravo were analysed by gas chromatography (FID) on the wines of 2002 and 2003 vintages. In both years, significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the wines with respect to the concentrations of aromatic compounds. Caiño Longo wines had the highest concentrations of acetates and esters. The concentrations of ethyl ester and acetates in Caíño Bravo wines were comparatively very low. Principal components analysis confirmed these results: the wines made from the different cultivars and the vintages were clearly different.     

Determination of polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of some red wines by differential pulse voltammetry,HPLC and spectrophotometric methods

Red wines produced in three different wine growing regions of Croatia were analysed for total polyphenols (TP) content, concentration of individual polyphenols and antioxidant activity (AA). TP content was measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) and HPLC methods. Individual polyphenols were measured by HPLC and AA was determined by ABTS and DPPH methods. The results showed that DPV is a very sensitive method for the determination of TP. A very high correlation was obtained between the TP content determined by DPV, FC and HPLC. The major polyphenols in the wines were gallic acid and (+)-catechin. TP, individual polyphenols and AA varied among wines from different regions. Wines from the Dalmatia region had the highest TP content, the highest concentration of important antioxidants and significantly higher AA. There was a very high correlation between AA and TP in all of the wines tested.     

Fluoride in tea from Shandong Province,China and exposure assessment

ABSTRACT

In this study fluoride in 170 tea samples from Shandong province (China) was determined using a selective ion electrode. The fluoride concentrations ranged from 31.2 to 338 mg/kg with an average of 119 mg/kg. The mean fluoride concentrations were 164, 121, 98.7 and 96.8 mg/kg, which corresponded to Pu’erh tea, green tea, oolong tea and black tea, respectively. Moreover, 4.7% of the analysed samples exceed the legal limit of 200 mg/kg recommended by China. The estimated daily intake of fluoride via drinking tea for an adult was between 0.655 and 1.07 mg/person/day, which were lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake value of 3.5 mg/person/day set by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China. In future, maintaining a surveillance programme to monitor the trend of fluoride in tea is necessary for food safety and human health.     

Elemental characterisation of Cabernet Sauvignon wines using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE)

The elemental composition of 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon wines from four different regions of Rio Grande do Sul state (Brazil) was determined using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. In total, wines from 13 different vineyards were studied. Particular attention was given to wines stemming from Vale dos Vinhedos which is one of the most important wine producing regions in Brazil. Typical PIXE spectra consisted of elements with atomic number between 11 and 38 such as P, S, K, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Rb. Physicochemical variables such as volatile acidity, alcohol, pH and dry extract were also determined for some wines. Variations in the elemental concentrations among wines from Vale dos Vinhedos and from different regions were observed. In general our results are in good agreement with previous measurements of Brazilian wines. With respect to European wines, our results are characterised by relatively low concentrations of Cu and Zn and high concentration of Rb.     

Varietal and geographic classification of French red wines in terms of pigments and flavonoid compounds

Thirty-four French red wines originating from six different grape varieties and three different production areas were analysed in duplicate for 15 anthocyanins, ten flavonoids and three colour parameters, F-statistics, principal component analysis and stepwise discriminant analysis were used to identify and to explain differences among samples. Clear difference between wines made from different varieties were mainly related to anthocyanin 3-acylglucosides. Malvidin and peonidin 3-acetylglucosides were found in increasing concentrations in wines made respectively from Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Merlot, Carbernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes; the concentrations of peonidin and malvidin 3-p-coumarylglucosides were higher in the Cinsault wines studied. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines made near Bordeaux had a less intense colour and a higher malvidin 3-glucoside content than wines from the same varieties produced near Narbonne. Wines made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes contained more catechin, epicatechin and myricetin when produced in the south than in the north (Narbonne, Bordeaux, Angers). Of the samples analysed, 96%, and all of the nine extra wines, were correctly classified according to the variety of the grapes using four anthocyanins and catechin selected by step wise discriminant analyses.     

Optimisation of the Amido Black assay for determination of the protein content of grape juices and wines

While the heat/chill stability of white wines cannot be predicted from the total protein concentration, this information is useful in assessing the effectiveness of fining treatments. We have adapted the Amido Black assay for use in grape juice and wine. The response of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was similar in water, model wine and model juice. The linear range of the assay (<100 mg l^?1) extends beyond protein concentrations typically found in grape juices and wines. The limit of quantification was 11.1 mg l^?1 for BSA in model wine and 7.6 mg l^?1 in model juice, while the limit of detection was found to be less than 3 mg l^?1 in either solution. In contrast to other methods of protein determination, this assay is not affected by common wine phenolic and pectic compounds or by glutathione. The mean response of BSA was similar in model juice and red and white grape juices. The mean response of BSA in red wine was lower than in white wine and model wine (p < 0.001), and there was considerable variation in response among wines. Protein concentrations determined using this method were reproducible (CV < 10%). This optimised assay can be used to monitor protein levels in grape juices and wines. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of mechanical leaf removal and its timing on flavan‐3‐ol composition and concentrations in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot Noir wine

Background and Aims: Mechanical leaf removal of Pinot Noir vines was carried out in a commercial vineyard in Waipara, New Zealand in the 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 growing seasons. The aim was to investigate the effects of different timings on flavan‐3‐ol composition and concentrations in Pinot Noir wine produced from the treatments. Methods and Results: Treatments were leaf removal from the fruiting zone 7 days after flowering, 30 days after flowering and at veraison (by visual assessment), and no leaf removal (control). Proanthocyanidin concentrations in berries by the methylcellulose precipitation assay at harvest showed no difference between treatments, although the LR7 wine had the highest methylcellulose precipitable tannin concentration in 2007–2008, the LR30 wine had the highest concentration in 2008–2009 and the NLR wine had the lowest in both years; the 2009 wines had increased concentrations compared to 2008. Greatest concentrations of flavan‐3‐ol monomers by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography were found in LR7 wines. An increase in the ratio of 2,3‐trans to 2,3‐cis flavan‐3‐ols was observed with earlier leaf removal. The mean degree of polymerisation (mDP) by acid catalysis in the presence of phloroglucinol showed no statistical difference between wines. Conclusions: Early timing of mechanical leaf removal increases proanthocyanidin concentration, but has no influence on the mDP. Increased severity of defoliation and/or higher alcohol levels in the 2008–2009 growing season were responsible for the differences in total tannin concentration compared to the previous year. Significance of the Study: The timing of mechanical leaf removal can influence wine flavan‐3‐ol concentrations.     

4-Ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol contents in bottled wines from the German ‘Württemberg’ region

The 4-ethylphenol (4-EP), 4-ethylguaiacol (4-EG), and 4-ethylcatechol (4-EC) concentrations were determined in 1.312 bottled wine samples from the German ‘Württemberg’ region by means of HPLC coupled with fluorescence detection. 4-EC was not detected in quantifiable concentrations in any of the samples analysed. 6.4% of the wines showed 4-EP and 4-EG concentrations over the detection limit of 16 μg/L for 4-EP and 7 μg/L for 4-EG. 1.8% of all wines were over the odour threshold. For white wines it was shown that 4-EG is the only tainting compound and that 0.3% of the wines contain 4-EG above the sensory threshold. The 4-EP and 4-EG contents averaged 17.7 and 4.7 μg/L in red wine and 2.2 and 1.0 μg/L in white wine, respectively. Based on the analytical results a statistical evaluation was performed to assess the impact of various parameters, such as wine type, storage, residual sugar content, etc., which are known to influence ethylphenol concentration. A significant difference between white wine and wine made from red grape varieties was observed. Wine stored for a long time period in wooden casks showed especially high ethylphenol content. Only a slight tendency was observed regarding the residual sugar, alcohol, total acidity and SO₂ content. Based on our data, we cannot confirm the results published by some authors that varieties show significant differences with regard to their ethylphenol ratios.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in sweet wines produced in Spain and other countries

A survey for the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) was undertaken from 2001 to 2005 in 188 samples of sweet wines produced in Spain and in 102 samples originating from other countries: France (n = 49), Austria (9), Chile (9), Portugal (9), Greece (6), Italy (5), Germany (3), Hungary (2), Slovenia (2), Switzerland (2), Canada (1), Japan (1), New Zealand (1), Ukraine (1), South Africa (1) and the USA (1). The analytical method was based on immunoaffinity chromatography clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The limit of detection (defined as a signal-noise ratio = 3) was estimated to be 0.01 µg l^-1. The limit of quantification (0.02 µg l^-1) was checked as being the lowest measurable concentration. OTA was detected in 281 out of 290 samples analysed (96.9% positive) at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 4.63 µg l^-1. The overall mean and median levels were estimated to be 0.50 and 0.14 µg l^-1, respectively. In Spanish sweet wines OTA was found in 99% of the samples, with mean and median values of 0.65 and 0.19 µg l^-1, respectively. The mean value obtained in this study for OTA in the Spanish sweet wines would result in an intake of about 37.5 and 3.2 ng day^-1 of OTA for regular consumers and for the overall population, respectively. These figures represent a minor contribution to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) or TWI established by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority: 3.8 and 3.1% for regular consumers; and 0.4 and 0.3% for the whole adult population, respectively.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in Rioja Alavesa wines

In this survey the influence of the geographical location and the kind of wine in the concentration of ochratoxin A (OTA) was studied. Forty percent of the Spanish wine market belongs to the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origen (DOCa Rioja) wines, which are already worldwide known. A total of 100 wines from the Rioja Alavesa (RA) production area of the DOCa Rioja were analysed, using immunoaffinity column clean-up and high-performance liquid-chromatography with fluorimetric detection (detection limit 0.002 μg/l). The presence of OTA was greater in wines produced in low rainfall and high temperature regions. The geographical location and kind of wine did not seem to have influence on the OTA concentration.