Consumer Safety Standards
Analytical Standards for Wine

Wine is a complex combination of water, alcohol and other substances such as organic acids, phenols, sugars, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The chemical interactions of these compounds, combined with the aging process, determine the quality of the color, taste and aroma of the wine. However, during this process, the chemical interactions can also play key roles in spoiling the wine. For instance, cork taint transpires when naturally occurring airborne fungi are in the presence of chlorophenol compounds to form 2,4,6-trichloranisole (TCA) in the wine. When this occurs, the wine’s aroma is reduced significantly and is replaced by an undesirable smell and taste.

To help regulate the spoilage of wine, the wine industry tests for several compounds that are known to cause this. For this industry, SPEX CertiPrep offers Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) for wine that are designed for GC, GC/MS, HPLC and LC/MS analysis. These standards are manufactured from the highest purity starting materials and the highest grade of solvents available in order to guarantee superior quality. Each standard is supplied with a detailed comprehensive Certificate of Analysis.