Prediction of red and rose wine CIELab parameters from simple absorbance measurements

Multiple and simple regression analyses were applied in order to establish mathematical models that allow the evaluation of CIELab parameters from absorbance values at 420, 520 and 620 nm or from Glories parameters, which are better known and easier to calculate. All these variables were measured in 267 commercial wines (141 red and 126 rose wines). Good mathematical models of the CIELab parameters with small standard errors of estimation were obtained, using the absorbance value at 520 nm, colour intensity or tonality of Glories as an independent variable, with the exception of the b* parameter in the red wines. These models could be helpful to wineries that, in general, do not have the necessary equipment and software to determine the CIELab parameters, which are recognised as being the best parameters for defining the colour of wines. (C) 2002 Society of Chemical Industry.