ICP-MS analysis for the characterization of the origins of wines

Element profiling might represent a valid too for the determination of the origins of foods. In the present study, we have investigated this issue within the oenological sector on 32 wines produced in Abruzzo, Italy. In order to assess wine element composition, we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which can be used to determine the levels of a wide range of metals in a short time and classified wine samples on the basis of their origins and element profiles using discriminant analysis. We determined the levels of the following elements: Li, Be, Na, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba and Pb. Our analytical approach provided suitable sensitivity for accurate quantification of these elements in red and white wines. The limit of quantification were between between 0.1 mu g L-1 (Co, m/z 59) and 42 mu g L-1 (Fe, m/z 57). Precision expressed as relative standard deviation and calculated under repeatability conditions was between 3% (Fe, m/z 57) and 22.53% (Co, m/z 59). Recovery values obtained by spike experiments were between 77 +/- 5 (Pb, m/z 206) and 110 +/- 6 (Li, m/z 7). As specific markers, we evaluated the concentrations of Sr, Ba and Rb. The classification of wines were 100% accurate in linear discriminant analysis. Overall, this study investigates wines produced in central Italy, and it contributes to their traceability and assessment of their origin. Furthermore, our data are in agreement with previously published data, and will help to contribute towards the creation of a national database to protect the consumer against commercial fraud.