Elemental composition in grapes and wine: Role, analytical methods and their use

The analysis of elements or minerals (macro and micro) in wine is used to determine legal limits for export purposes, to monitor trace contaminants, to monitor the content of certain metal salts (e.g. calcium and potassium), for authenticity purposes and as an indication of potential changes in colour and oxidation, as well as to promote its health benefits, among other uses. This chapter presents an overview on the origin and role of elements in grape and wine, the analytical methods and techniques currently used to determine elements and the recent applications of such techniques. The effects of elements on quality, authentication and fermentation are also discussed. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved.