Date: Nov 15, 2013 Source: MDA (
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Los Gatos Research, Inc. (LGR; Mountain View, CA), has developed an analyzer that measures isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen to help determine the "authenticity" and true alcohol content of wine.
By measuring the relative content of the isotopes, the analyzer can verify that a wine is indeed from its labeled denomination of origin.
The wine industry employs strict labeling rules for printing specific appellations from well-known agricultural regions, such as Bordeaux or Alsace. The wine labels, in turn, allow a producer or distributor to command prices associated with these areas. The soil composition of wine-producing regions varies in its isotopic ratios, which can be determined by the LGR analyzer. Furthermore, the oxygen and hydrogen ratios give an instant indication as to whether the wine has been diluted (showing a lower alcohol content than that specified on the label). Producers have been known to dilute wine to lower the alcohol content and thus avoid higher taxes and levies.
The analyzer replaces high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for alcohol content determination, using patented spectroscopy techniques instead. LGR bills its hardware as being more rugged and easier to build than conventional competition.
Since 1996, LGR has received funding through several MDA SBIR and STTR contracts, covering spectroscopy-related projects for various missile defense research efforts.
Los Gatos Research develops measurement tools for nondestructive analyses of gases, liquids and solids. The company's expertise includes optical diagnostics, laser spectroscopy, physical chemistry, and chemical physics.
