ASSESSMENT OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN WINES FROM LOCAL MOLDOVAN GRAPE VARIETIES BY HPLC–DAD-MS-ESI TECHNIQUE

Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are one of the major fruit sources of phenolic compounds. Grape’s skin and seeds contain high amounts of bioactive phenolic compounds; polyphenols and wine quality are closely interrelated. This study presents the composition of individual polyphenols, estimated by HPLC–DAD-MS-ESI, the total polyphenolic content and the antioxidant activity of 5 local grapes varieties (Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Viorica, Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra) and one European variety (Cabernet Petit). The value of total polyphenolic content of the studied local red wines (Rara Neagra and Feteasca Neagra) varied between 604 and 1354 mg·L-1 and 250 and 300 mg·L-1 for white ones (Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala and Viorica). The average of antioxidant activities determined by DPPH • (expressed in mmol Trolox·L-1) in dry red wines from Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra samples was about 500 - 620 mmol Trolox equivalent·L-1, which indicates a significant antioxidant effect of these wines. According to the obtained results and the chemometric tools, it was concluded that wines obtained from Moldovan grape varieties are a valuable source of bioactive compounds.