The intra-laboratory study of EIM-IRMS® (Ethanol Isotope Measurement–Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) method performance with CS-qNMR (Cumulative Screening–quantitative NMR)

¹ SG Isotech DOO Pančevo, Vladimira Žestića 43, 26000 Pančevo, Republic of Serbia
² ANA LAB DOO Pančevo, Dositeja Obradovića 8k, 26000 Pančevo, Republic of Serbia
³ Research Laboratory of Food Quality & Technology (PNIL) of the Scientific Research & Education Center of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya 6, Moscow 117198, Russian Federation

^* Corresponding author: ivan@sgisotech.com

Abstract

In our earlier publications we proposed the possibility of using new EIM–IRMS^® instrumental technique and analytical parameter δD_n wine ethanol, which represents δ²H value of non-exchangeable hydrogen stable isotope ratio in ethanol, to improve detection of illegal wine production practices such as addition of sugar and/or water to grape must prior to alcoholic fermentation. This article shows a comparative performance study between EIM-IRMS^® and CS-qNMR methods in order to evaluate potential and demonstrate the precision of two isotopic concepts and their degree of detection of illegal wine production practices. Three batches of laboratory wine samples were prepared from three different types of grapes (N=24 samples). Sample results obtained from both methods are compared and a statistical data processing was carried out. Based on the results obtained using the EIM-IRMS^® method we detected 11 out of 21 of previously adulterated wine samples which represents a success rate of 52.4% detection of illegal practices (beet sugar, water or beet sugar syrup additions). In addition, wines from the Republic of Serbia (90 samples) were examined as well using the EIM-IRMS^® method and appropriate equipment to confirm their authenticity.