Changes in the volatile components of red wine vinegars and balsamic vinegars were investigated during
1 year of aging in wood barrels and bottles. Barrels of four different woods (oak, chestnut, acacia and
cherry) were used. A total of 57 volatile compounds were analysed by Gas Chromatography–Flame
Ionization Detection (GC–FID) and Headspace Sorptive Extraction GC–Mass Spectrometry (HSSE-TD–
GC–MS). We observed significant increases in the total content of volatile compounds only for balsamic
vinegars. The concentrations of ethyl furoate, ethyl benzoate, benzaldehyde and acetophenone were
highest in cherry barrels. These compounds, then, seem to be characteristic of this wood. Oak lactones
presented the highest increases for vinegars aged in oak. Eugenol was only present in vinegars aged in
chestnut and oak barrels. Oak and cherry seem to be the best type of wood for aging of vinegar due to
their distinctive aromatic characteristics