This study presents the results of rapid phytosterols analysis in grap
e skins during last stages of ripening. The analysis is related to the
evolution of sterol content by comparison with ripening degree on two
vineyards of Chardonnay grape variety in Burgundy: Meursault ler Cru
and Hautes Cotes de Beaune. The characterization of sterols is realize
d by using combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from trimethy
lsilyl ethers of sterols. After optimization of extraction by azeotrop
ic mixture (chloroform/methanol 2:1 v/v), the analysis allows to ident
ify four sterols in grape skins: beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmas
terol and lanosterol. In all the samples, beta-sitosterol is the major
phytosterol (86 to 89 % of the total detected phytosterols). The evol
ution of phytosterols content during last stages of ripening shows a s
imilar comportment of beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol in
grape skins: the maturation induces a loss of phytosterols in grape s
kins. An increase of phytosterol contents occurs at peak maturity and
can be related with over-maturation phenomenon. The relationship betwe
en phytosterol content in grape skins and S/A ratio indicates a marked
ly negative correlation.