Romanian Wines Research Articles

Influence of different bentonites on the rare earth element concentrations of clarified Romanian wines

The rare earth element (REE) concentrations of 19 Romanian young wine samples originating from the Dealurile Moldovei viticulture area were determined by double focusing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (DF-ICP-MS) after microwave-assisted digestion with nitric acid. The determination of Eu was hampered by the BaO molecular interference. Generally, the red wine samples were more concentrated for REEs than the white wine samples studied. The REE concentrations of the four bentonites (Gelbenton, Evergel, BW200, Tükrös) determined after their fusion were higher by three orders of magnitude than those of the wine samples. After a simulated wine purification process performed with these bentonite samples and a red and white pool samples, the REE concentrations of the clarified wine samples increased by 1.2–1.5 times for red, and 1.3–3 times for white wines in case of the fibrous bentonite sample (Gelbenton), by about 2–5 times in case of the bentonite containing ovalbumin, caseine and gelatine (Evergel), meanwhile this factor was about 20–25 for Na bentonite powder samples (BW200, Tükrös). On basis of the chemometric evaluation using the REE concentrations as input data, the majority of the Feteasca wines belonged to the same cluster as well as the two Cabernet Sauvignon to another subcluster. The adequate choice of the bentonite may allow the use of REEs as fingerprints for determining the wine provenance.

DETERMINATION O Ftrans-RESVERATROL IN SOME ROMANIAN WINES AND SPIRITS

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin of the hydroxystilbene group, is widely beneficial to health. It has been shown to possess anti-oxidative, anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumor, and anti-viral properties. The concentration of transresveratrol in some Romanian wines and spirits has been measured using a direct injection isocratic UV-HPLC (Ultra Violet - High Liquid Pressure Chromatography) method. The experimental values obtained ranged from 0,10 mg/L for Cognac Murfatlar to 2,32 mg/L for Carbent Sauvignon from the Dealu Mare region.

Screen-printed biosensors for the control of wine quality based on lactate and acetaldehyde determination

Biosensors for d-lactate and acetaldehyde were developed, based on screen-printed electrodes and NAD +-dependent dehydrogenases. Modification of screen-printed electrodes with the mediator Meldola Blue or with Meldola Blue-Reinecke salt resulted in sensitive, low cost and reliable NADH detectors. The biosensors were realised in two configurations, as disposable and reusable devices. Single-use sensors were obtained by simple deposition of enzyme and cofactor on the surface of mediator-modified electrodes. Chronoamperometry was used for the detection of substrates in small volumes of samples (25 μl). Immobilisation of dehydrogenases by entrapment in poly(vinyl alcohol) bearing styrylpyridinium groups (PVA-SbQ) allowed sensors to be obtained with sufficient operational stability. Amperometry in stirred solutions was the detection technique with biosensors for multiple use. The 3 σ detection limits for acetaldehyde were 1 μM by amperometry and 6 μM by chronoamperometry and for d-lactate-0.03 μM and 0.05 μM for reusable and disposable biosensors respectively. The biosensors were applied in the analysis of some French and Romanian wines.

Rovin Sales Co. v. Socialist Republic of Romania et al.

Sovereign immunity — Foreign State and State-owned corporation — Commercial transactions — Contract for the distribution of Romanian wine in the United States — Restrictive theory of sovereign immunity — Determination by State Department — Relationship between courts and the Executive — Refusal of State Department to make determination after matter has been considered by the courts — The law of the United States