Comprehensive lipid profile of ‘Maraština’ grape skins from Dalmatia

Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that serve essential roles due to their biological functions for all prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Despite the fundamental role of lipid class in plants, there is still a relatively low level of knowledge regarding the composition of grape lipids. This research represents the first investigation into the lipids of the Croatian grape variety ‘Maraština’ (Vitis vinifera L.), employing a targeted approach and the UHPLC-MS/MS method to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the lipid profile of grape skins. The study investigated the profile of free fatty acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, triterpenoids, sphingolipids, and free fatty acid esters in eleven vineyards located along the cultivation area of ‘Maraština’ variety (Dalmatia, Croatia). Grape skins from vineyards that were exposed to more sunlight and higher daily temperature during the vegetation period mainly resulted in a richer profile of free fatty acids. Among lipids, ‘Maraština’ grape skins were characterized mainly by a triterpenoid compound; oleanolic acid (249.49 g/g of FW), and free fatty acids, especially palmitic acid C16:0 (26.09 g/g of FW), and lignoceric acid C24:0 (12.40 g/g of FW). Hierarchical clustering analysis represented valuable insights into the diversity of lipids in ‘Maraština’ grape skin.