Free amino acids (AA) and biogenic amines (BA) were quantified for the first time in Cannonau and Vermentino
wines, the two most popular ‘‘Controlled Designation of Origin’’ wines from Sardinia (Italy). An
analytical method for the simultaneous determination of AA and BA was developed, using selective derivatization
with dansyl chloride followed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Thirty-two compounds
were identified in the wines analysed. High levels of AA were found, with proline being the most abundant
with average levels of 1244 ± 398 and 1008 ± 281 mg/L in Cannonau and Vermentino wines, respectively.
BA were detected at average concentrations