Wine profiling with GC/MS From October 2016

Wine profiling with GC/MS


The world wine industry is currently going through a very innovative phase at virtually all stages, from the grape to the consumer, using different fermentation techniques, different yeast strains, ageing, and wood treatment, amongst others. There are also options regarding final treatments prior to bottling, filtration package closure, storage in cellar, transport and storage at point of sale. All impact on the flavour and quality of the wine, and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is being increasingly used to profile products.


Identifying problems


We frequently help our clients in the wine industry to identify why a problem has arisen, such as a taint, a flavour or aroma defect, a sediment or haze or simply capping of aroma or flavour. Sensory assessments are a valuable tool, but we are frequently involved in disputes between companies, and sensory analysis may have restricted use in these situations. Answering questions such as who is responsible for an issue and identifying whether the problem lies with the producer, transporter/ shipper or importer requires state–of–the–art science.


GC/MS is a powerful technique which separates and identifies key components within the wine down to nanogram per litre levels. Both aroma and flavour compounds are separated and identified. Then, by overlaying chromatographic profiles, changes within a wine can be monitored. There is also the option of a second mass spectrometer, which splits the individual molecules in order to achieve even greater sensitivity and specificity. We also use the very latest technique, time of flight (ToF/GC/MS), which enables us to detect and identify unknown or unexpected compounds within wine without the need to know in advance what we are looking for.


As an example, some pleasant primary aroma compounds can be shown to increase; others, possibly unpleasant, increase while some compounds denature and others may appear. Utilising the overlaying technique by graphical representation, differences can relatively easily be visually demonstrated.


Examples: variety, vintage, heat damage



The potential of profiling wines using GC/MS is significant and used correctly it should be a considerable asset to the developing UK industry.



Contact: Support
+44(0)1386 842000
support@campdenbri.co.uk

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