The method, developed within the OIV's sub-commission, represents a national contribution to the international harmonization of analytical methodologies in the wine sector. The strontium isotope ratio serves as a marker for the geological origin of grapes and can help characterize the geographical provenance of wines.
The analytical procedure involves three main stages: high-pressure microwave digestion, chromatographic separation of strontium (Sr) and rubidium (Rb) to avoid interferences, and measurement by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS).
The approval of this method enhances the tools for wine traceability and authentication, complementing existing origin control methods. In a globalized market, authenticity and the valorization of geographical provenance are crucial for protecting appellations of origin and preventing fraud.
In conjunction with other markers, this methodology could strengthen authentication systems, increasing consumer confidence and sector credibility. The approval acknowledges Portugal's scientific contribution to enological analysis and the definition of international standards.
This resolution is part of a set of 16 approved at the 24th OIV General Assembly. Full texts will soon be available on the OIV website.
