Stable Isotope Analysis of Alcoholic Beverages: A Review

Abstract

Alcoholic beverages represent a sector of significant economic and cultural importance but are also susceptible to fraud and adulteration, which can compromise their quality and authenticity. Isotopic analyses have become increasingly valuable tools for tracing the geographical origin and ensuring the quality control of products such as wine, beer, and distilled spirits. This literature review examines the main isotopic analysis techniques employed in this field, including Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and Site-Specific Natural Isotope Fractionation by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SNIF-NMR), with a particular focus on the insights derived from the isotopic ratios of various elements, notably δ(2H), δ(13C), δ(18O), δ(15N) and δ(34S).