Abstract
The control of geographic origin is one of a highest priority issue regarding traceability and wine authenticity. The current study aimed to examine whether elemental composition can be used for the discrimination of wines according to geographical origin, taking into account the effects of soil, winemaking process, and year of production. The elemental composition of soils, grapes, musts, and wines from three DO (Designations of Origin) and for two vintage years was determined by using the ICP-MS semi-quantitative method, followed by multivariate statistical analysis. The elemental composition of soils varied according to geological formations, and for some elements, the variation due to soil provenance was also observed in musts and wines. Li, Mn, Sr and rare-earth elements (REE) allowed wine discrimination according to vineyard. Results evidenced the influence of winemaking processes and of vintage year on the wine’s elemental composition. The mineral composition pattern is transferred through the soil-wine system, and differences observed for soils are reflected in grape musts and wines, but not for all elements. Results suggest that winemaking processes and vintage year should be taken into account for the use of elemental composition as a tool for wine traceability. Therefore, understanding the evolution of mineral pattern composition from soil to wine, and how it is influenced by the climatic year, is indispensable for traceability purposes.
Highlights
Linked to the perception that terroir determines the quality and character of wines, the control of geographic origin is one of the most challenging and highest priority issues regarding traceability and wine authenticity [1]
A study was developed to investigate whether inter-regional variation in multi-element composition could be used as a tool for the traceability of three Portuguese Designations of Origin (DO), where soils are developed on different geological formations
No direct direct correspondence correspondence between must contents and final wine contents was observed, as impressive losses occurred after sulfur must contents and final wine contents was observed, as impressive losses occurred afterdioxide sulfur addition and until the moment of acidification, corroborating the important role played by sulfur dioxide addition and until the moment of acidification, corroborating the important role played by dioxide as a purifying agent
Summary
Linked to the perception that terroir determines the quality and character of wines, the control of geographic origin is one of the most challenging and highest priority issues regarding traceability and wine authenticity [1]. The precipitation of heavy metals as insoluble salts, namely as sulfides, is favoured by sulfur dioxide addition during winemaking [2] All these factors may markedly change the multi-element composition of the wine, affecting the relationship between wine and soil compositions, precluding their use for authentication purposes. There is little information on multi-elemental analysis of Portuguese wines for their classification according to geographical origin In this context, a study was developed to investigate whether inter-regional variation in multi-element composition could be used as a tool for the traceability of three Portuguese Designations of Origin (DO), where soils are developed on different geological formations. Results will enlarge global databanks on wine composition and support comparisons with other world regions
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