Rapid analysis of heterocyclic acetals in wine by stable isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract Heterocyclic acetals from acetaldehyde and glycerol have been proposed as markers of age and oxidation in fortified wines. Here the analysis of these acetals ( cis - and trans -5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,3-dioxane and cis - and trans -4-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane) by liquid–liquid extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was optimized for rapid monitoring of these compounds in aged and oxidized table wines. The method provides a wide range of linearity and reproducibility below 3.0% RSD, while the detection limits, 2.85–13.5 μg/L, were significantly lower than typical levels measured in wines. Stable isotope dilution improved the accuracy of the method. Oxidation of red wines was shown to correlate with increased levels of the acetals. The accuracy and speed of the new method will allow for quantifying oxidation in large experiments such as wine aging or micro-oxygenation trials, and to assess the potential value of these substances as markers of wine oxidation.