Analytical and chemometric-based methods to monitor and evaluate wine protected designation

Protected geographical status, protected designation of origin and protected geographical indication define distinct regimes of geographical indications between different countries. These appellations are usually related to the name of the geographical area in which the wine is produced, although there are some historical exceptions. Properties related to such geographical origins or appellations are related to individual or a mixture of compounds that constitute the matrix of the grapes and wine (e.g. flavonoids, volatile and phenolic compounds and minerals) that are present at low concentrations (e.g. ppm or ppb). Several methods and techniques are used to classify, identify and monitor the geographical origin of wines, including high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy (near and mid infrared), isotopes and elements. This chapter provides an overview of the applications of different methods and techniques available and used to evaluate the geographical denomination or origin of wines