Rapid HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in red wines

A new direct and rapid (18 min) reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for the separation of phenolic compounds (benzoic acids, flavan-3-ols, cinnamic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins) in red wines is described. A column that allows for low pH conditions and high flow was used, with a gradient of two solvents: water and acetonitrile, both with 0.2% trifluoroacetic acid. To improve selectivity, each compound was monitored at its absorbance maximum. Precision, linearity, and sensitivity (limit of detection and limit of quantitation) were established. While this rapid method cannot resolve all wine constituents, it is appropriate for measuring major components and quantifying total amounts of particular classes of phenolic compounds. The method was applied to a set of new and aged red wines.