Comparative study of the resveratrol content in 21 italian red grape varieties

The content of resveratrol and some related stilbenes (piceids and piceatannol) in 21 Italian red grape varieties growing in the same edapho-climatic conditions and at the same stage of ripening was measured. Some varieties like Barbera, Schiava gentile, Corvina and Marzemino showed a trans resveratrol content in the skin 2-3 times higher than the average content of all varieties. Trans and cis piceids were found in concentration higher than that of resveratrol, confirming to be both important contributors to the pool of health promoting molecules present in grapes. Considering the total amount of stilbenes, the highest content was found in Barbera, Franconia, Negroamaro, Corvina and Marzemino, whereas other varieties, such as Montepulciano, Dolcetto, Croatina, Refosco and Primitivo, seem to synthesize very low amounts of these compounds. Barbera grapes also contain a relatively high concentration of trans piceatannol, a stilbene with even higher antioxidant properties than resveratrol, then it could be an interesting variety as source of health promoting molecules.