The distribution of mutagenic activity in red, rose and white wines

Using a modified Salmonella typhimurium TA98 Ames-test system, more than 150 red, white and rose wines were analyzed for direct-acting and microsomal enzyme-enhanced mutagenic activity. The following conclusions were reached from analysis of this wine mutagenicity data base. White and rose wines, as well as grape juices, exhibited little or no detectable direct-acting or microsomal enzyme-enhanced mutagenic activity. However, red wine samples contained highly variable amounts of mutagens, ranging from undetectable to levels 30-fold above the sensitivity limit of the assay system. The variations in red wine mutagenicity were unrelated to grape variety, vintage, aging methods or production region. Hence, individual winery production practices must represent the most significant contribution to the variations observed.