Rapid headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatographic-time-of-flight mass spectrometric method for qualitative profiling of ice wine volatile fraction. III. Relative characterization of Canadian and Czech ice wines using self-organizing maps.
The determination of volatile and semi-volatile components of ice wine aroma was realized throughout the development of a rapid headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-TOF-MS) analytical method (Part I) and its application to the analysis of 137 samples produced in Canada and Czech Republic and collected directly from the producing wineries (Part II). In this Part III study, the complex matrix resulting from the analysis of the 58 compounds selected for each sample as described in Part II, was submitted to critical interpretation by using a self-organizing map (SOM) technique. Results were commented in terms of relative characterization of samples according to their geographical origin, grape varieties, and vintage years. When clear clustering was obtained, the most determinant compounds responsible for the observed differentiations were identified and further discussed.