Effect of pesticide residues on the aromatic composition of red wines.

The influence of pesticide residues on the aromatic composition (major and minor volatiles) of red wines made from Vitis vinifera (Monastrell var.) was studied by comparing the concentration of aromas in wines made from grapes subjected (or not) to phytosanitary treatment with chlorpyrifos, fenarimol, mancozeb, metalaxyl, penconazole, and vinclozolin, according to the agricultural practice of the area. The analytical determination of the major volatiles was made by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector, while the minor volatiles were determined by adsorption-thermal desorption gas chromatography using a mass selective detector. There were significant differences between the ethyl acetate, methanol, isobutanol, and diethylacetal levels of the control wine and that containing chlorpyrifos residues, although only the ethyl acetate exceeded the olfactory threshold. With regard to the minor volatiles, significant differences were detected in the concentrations of some esters, aldehydes, and acids. However, only isoamyl acetate exceeded the olfactory threshold in wines containing residues of chlorpyrifos, fenarimol, and vinclozolin.