Ellagitannins quantification in oak wood and cognac <em>eaux-de-vie</em>

Abstract

Ellagitannins are the main extractible oak wood phenolic compounds. These compounds are responsible for high wood durability and they can contribute to wine and spirits organoleptic quality (colour, astringency and bitterness). Despite their importance, their presence and forms in distilled spirits are not well known. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a measurement methodology and to quantify Cognac oak wood ellagitannins.