Observation of the Chemical Parameters on Imported and Domestic Wines Found in the Market in Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

In the Republic of North Macedonia, the production of wine is very well known, but in the markets, there is also a variety of imported wines. Therefore, the aim of our research was to examine the basic parameters which determine the quality of the wine. A total of 106 domestic and imported wines were included in this research. The basic chemical parameters for each of the samples were examined by using standard OIV methods. Verification of the methods was done by determining its accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility using standard reference material and proficiency testing. Depending on the sugar content, wines were divided into 4 groups: dry, semi dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines. The highest alcohol content was observed in dry wines originating from all countries that were subject of this research (up to 13.54 vol %) and the lowest was observed in wines originating from Italy which are mostly used as dessert wines (5.07 vol %). The semi-dry wines originating from France showed the slightest value (min.12.18 mg/L free SO 2 and min.60.20 mg/L total SO 2 ), which corresponds to their high quality and price on the market. This research is of great interest for the needs of the market and the price of the wine, due to the wine quality standards under the law of Republic of North Macedonia.