A rapid HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 23 amino acids, 10
biogenic amines and the ammonium ion in wine. Samples were pre-column derivatised with diethyl
ethoxymethylenemalonate and separated using reversed-phase HPLC within 30 min. The matrix effect
was evaluated when measuring samples taken from different stages of fermentation. Most compounds
showed no obvious matrix effect, whereas proline, ethanolamine and spermine had remarkably different
responses to variable concentrations of sugar. High concentrations of sugar affected the pH of the
derivatisation reaction system; proline, ethanolamine and spermine derivatives were sensitive to this
effect. Matrix-matched calibration was used for the quantification of these compounds. Validation of
the method showed that it was accurate, reproducible and efficient for the simultaneous determination
of amino acids and biogenic amines in wines during fermentation. As a specific application of the method,
red wine samples taken from different stages of fermentation were analysed.