Methyl alcohol content in brandies of the Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The methyl alcohol content was determined in 20 brandies produced in Rio Grande do Sul. The values obtained were compared with those of 3 brandies prepared from three well known grape varieties, Riesling, Herbemont and Isabel. Large differences in methanol content were found. These depended an the grape varieties used as raw material. Some were of low content lowever others of. High content were associated with the use of Isabel grapes. Two samples were thought to have been made with a wine press and adulterated with industrial alcohol.