Project number:
P04000322
Project title:
Authenticity of South African wines
Project leader:
Dr Francois van Jaarsveld
Institution:
ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij
Start date:
2023
Project description:
The project aims to construct an authoritative analytical database of authentic South African wines, including all variations caused by grape cultivar, geographic location and vintage, for the authentication (geographical, botanical, dilution, variety and vintage) of South African wines. South Africa must have databases in place to verify our wines since the EU, America and international markets are stringent regarding importing products today. Existing food safety tools implement Food Fraud Vulnerability Assessment (VACCP) and other requirements. Some wineries have already implemented these tools and requirements. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) maintains and annually updates the EU Wine Databank (EU Wine DB) in line with EU wine legislation. With extensive quality legislation in place, the JRC’s BEVABS laboratory uses the EU Wine DB as an essential tool to ensure authenticity is enforced.