Strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) reveals the geotraceability of the Falanghina White Wine from Sannio (South of Italy)

This study investigated the geotraceability of Falanghina del Sannio, a white wine from southern Italy, by determining how the mineralogical and isotopic characteristics of vineyard soil are reflected in the wine production chain. Mineralogical data and strontium isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) were determined in soils, branches, grapes, microvinifications and wines from 15 distinct vineyards. In addition, trace element concentrations were determined in microvinifications and wines to assess the possible role of agricultural and winemaking processes on the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr value of the wine. For each vineyard, results showed a significant correlation between the soil Srisotope ratio and that of branches, grapes, microvinification and wine, confirming that Falanghina wines inherit the geochemical features of the vineyard soil, with negligible influence from external sources. This supports the use of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in wine as a powerful geotraceability tool, reflecting the bioavailable fraction of strontium in the soil. Moreover, the strontium isotope ratio is strongly influenced by the mineralogical composition of the soil, as quantitative mineralogical analysis revealed interesting relationships worthy of further investigation. This multidisciplinary study provides deep insights for both winemakers and consumers.