Determination of phenols in wines by liquid chromatography with photodiode array and fluorescence detection

A reversed-phase LC method, optimised for the separation of trans- and cis-resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and rutin, is reported. Analyses were performed on a reversed-phase column by gradient elution. Detection was carried out by photodiode array, although the use of a fluorimetric detector considerably lowered the detection limits for catechin, epicatechin and both resveratrol isomers. Identification by the two different detection systems was based on retention characteristics, UV spectra and peak purity index were compared with commercial standards. The procedures were applied to the determination of the phenolic compounds in different types of wines and musts.