Geographic characterization of Greek wine by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry macroelemental analysis

Abstract

Studying wine mineral profile has been proven as a valuable tool in geographical origin discrimination and authenticity for both producers and consumers. Adulteration of wines, in terms of geographical origin or variety, is considered a major topic of extensive research. Traceability and authenticity of wines have been previously studied on the basis of typical mineral element patterns by means of chemometric methods. In this context, analytical methods were developed for the determination of mineral elements in wines by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. This study aimed at classifying selected varietal Greek wines from various regions by employing instrumental analysis. Preliminary data of wine mineral content enabled for the classification of samples according to geographical origin and variety. However, further work is required in order to draw more valid conclusions and to obtain a detailed map of the mineral element content of Greek wines according to their geographical origin and/or variety.