The Use of Trace Element Data to Complement Stable Isotope Methods in the Characterization of Grape Musts

Abstract

Objective physico-chemical methods for the characterization of agricultural produce are important ways of providing impartial information on the composition and origin of food products. Of those techniques successful in this area, stable isotope analyses and especially Site Specific Natural Isotope Fractionation studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (SNIF-NMR) are among the most noteworthy. The use of this technique allows the determination of geographical origin of a variety of finished and raw materials in the food industry. The current capabilities of this technique in the wine industry allow the general area of production to be determined. Trace element concentrations have been analyzed for five regions of France (1989 vintage) in order to improve the accuracy of the snif-nmr method. When used in conjunction with stable isotope ratios, the elements Zn, Ca, Sr, and Mg increase the overall classification from 78% (with isotope data only) to 89%.