Characterization and Differentiation of High Quality Vinegars by Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (SBSE-GC-MS)

A stir bar sorptive extraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SBSE–GC–MS) method has been used for the characterization of the volatile composition of 26 high quality vinegars of three different protected geographical indications (traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, balsamic vinegar of Modena, and Sherry vinegar). SBSE technique provided the identification of 113 volatile compounds, which belong to different chemical families (short-chain esters, acids, acetates and alcohols, phenols, lactones and benzenic and furanic compounds). 39 volatile compounds were never previously reported in wine vinegars. This characterization contributed to the differentiation of the 100% of the studied samples on the basis of raw material (two different types of wine, and cooked must), aging type (static and dynamic) and aging time (<5 years, between 5 and 25 years, and >25 years). Furanes and terpenes together with acids and alkanes were the most discriminant variables for raw material and aging time, respectively, whereas for aging type, these ones were acetates and esters.