Unravel grape volatiles using HS-SPME-GC×GC-ToFMS

Abstract

Varietal volatile compounds in grapes are influenced by multiple factors, including grape variety and clone, cultural practices, and climatic conditions. Both free and glycosidically bound volatile compounds can be used for varietal fingerprinting and profiling, and they also provide valuable insights into the effects of agronomic and climatic factors on grape aroma development.  In this context, a robust analytical methodology for the analysis of free and bound volatile compounds in grapes using HS-SPME-GC×GC-ToFMS, equipped with a flow modulator. The method, applied with or without enzymatic hydrolysis using the AR2000 enzyme, was employed in the analysis of several several batches of grapes.1,2 The aim of this work is to give an overview of the GC×GC with a flow modulator and show how HS-SPME combined with GC×GC-ToFMS provides a suitable and sustainable approach for determining the volatile signature of grapes. The results will demonstrate the usefulness of this approach for characterizing and comparing grape samples from different varieties and clones, hydric regimes, and viticultural practices, including biological viticulture.

References

Fonseca, D.; Martins, N.; Garcia, R.; Cabrita, M.J. (2024). Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with a TOF MS Detector—An Effective Tool to Trace the Signature of Grape Varieties. Molecules 29, 1989.

Fonseca, D.; Martins, N.; Garcia, R.; Cabrita, M.J. (2025). The potential of enzymatic hydrolysis with HS-SPME-GC×GC-ToFMS for the study of volatile signature of grapes. LWT – Food Science and Technology 215, 117314.