The aim of the present work was to compare the content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols and minerals) in semi-dry wines. The material for the study consisted of 6 types of semi-dry red wine originating from Bulgaria (Sofino Melnik), Hungary (Loci), France (Bongeronde) and Spain (Don Kichot). The wines were subjected to organoleptic scoring assessment, followed by analyses of crude ash, anthocyanins, the total content of phenol compounds, zinc, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium. Additionally, the browning index was determined. All the samples attained positive organoleptic assessment. The highest score for the color was given to the wines from France and Spain. The total acidity in the analyzed red wines ranged between 4.97 g dm–3 (Spanish wine) and 5.56 g dm–3 (Bulgarian wine), which fulfills the quality requirements for grape wine. Grape wine contains from 1.0 to 4.0 g dm–3 of polyphenols. The analyzed wine samples contained a slightly lower concentration of phenolic compounds: 1.28 g dm–3 on average. The average content of p-coumaric acid in the examined samples was 1.85 mmol dm–3. The concentration of anthocyanins, compounds responsible for the color of wine, was significantly lower in Bulgarian and Hungarian wine samples (26.05±0.25 mg dm–3 and 23.60±0.80 mg dm–3 respectively), in comparison with French (59.90±0.20 mg dm–3) and Spanish wine particularly (75.90±2.40 mg dm–3). All the analyzed wine samples, independently of their place of manufacture, achieved high organoleptic assessment, especially for clarity and color. The highest rated wines from France were characterized a high level of bioactive compounds: total polyphenols and anthocyanins. They also had a high content of crude ash and minerals such as Mg, Mn, Zn. Relatively high concentrations of polyphenols, anthocyanins and crude ash were also determined in Spanish wines.

17.2.2012