The geographic authentication of wine is of great interest because product quality is often associated with specific geographical origin. Past studies have attempted to discriminate wines from various wine producing regions, however, these focus on differences between larger regions. In this study we used element profiles to distinguish Pinot noir wines from six sub-appellations, or neighborhoods, within one American Viticultural Area (AVA). Twenty-eight mono-varietal samples were collected over two harvests that were representative of the neighborhoods. All wines were made with minimal oak contact and without significant additions other than yeast and nutrient additions during winemaking.<br/>Elemental analysis was completed using various spectrochemical techniques covering the m/z range from 6 to 238. Trace and minor elements were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ, Agilent Technologies, Inc.). Calibration curves were prepared in 6-point calibration curves using multi-element standards and matrix-matched for each element. All elements were monitored in various modes (helium, high energy helium, or oxygen mode) to ensure lowest detection limits and accurate analysis.<br/>Major elements were quantified using microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES, Agilent Technologies, Inc.). Samples were mixed with 2,000 mg/L ionization buffer solution prior to entering the system. Six-point calibration curves were prepared for the major elements and matrix matched to the samples. Analysis of variance was used to determine statistically significant differences across the neighborhoods. Further discrimination testing was completed using canonical variance.<br/>Recovery studies were completed, and all detected elements were within 20% of the target concentration. Sixty-two elements were monitored and fifty-three were found to be significantly different across the wines originating from the different neighborhoods. The CVA showed between 78%-88% of variance ratio was explained in the samples from the two vintages.

Two-year study of elemental differences in pinot noir wines from different neighborhoods within one AVA

2019 Fall National Meeting

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