Wine Pirates

• Posted: May 8, 2008
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• Author: James DeRosa
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• Filed under: Wine Technology
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• Tags: safeguards, wine counterfeiting, wine security

 

Seems that software isn’t the only thing being pirated these days. Wine has fallen prey to this underground mischief - how could it have not? Magnums of 1921 Bordeaux from France’s legendary Chateau Petrus have sold for up to $75,000 at auction. It’s no wonder these gems attract counterfeiters.

In the May 2008 issue of Wired Magazine on page 41 they have outlined a list of counterfeit-fighting technologies that high-end wine makers are stating to utilize.

3-D Labeling
The Tech A hologram-like "optically variable device," bearing a 3-D image that’s specific to a particular brand, is applied to the neck capsule.
Who’s Using It A consortium of Brunello producers in Italy, including makers of the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona brand.

Algorithm IDs
The Tech The label is marked with a unique algorithm and serial number, which can then be tracked online or via SMS.
Who’s Using It Wineries in France’s Bordeaux region.

DNA Marking
The Tech Grape DNA info is hidden on a special seal on the bottle’s neck. If the authenticity is in doubt, the DNA of the wine in the bottle can be compared with the genome on the neck.
Who’s Using It Aussie printer Collotype Labels pioneered the tech with vintner Hardys, which has since stopped using it. Applied DNA Sciences in the US is marketing a similar approach.

Bottle Etching
The Tech Distinguishing information is etched into the bottle with a laser.
Who’s Using It Australian winemaker Penfolds adopted etching after a series of forgeries and thefts in the late ’90s. Chateau Mouton Rothschild uses it as well.

Invisible Ink
The Tech A chemical is added to the ink used for printing labels. It’s detectable only with a special handheld scanner— no other analysis can find it.
Who’s Using It A handful of Napa Valley wineries— HL Vineyards, Vineyard 29, and Staglin Family Vineyard— use a version sold by Kodak.

RFID Corks
The Tech Synthetic corks are embedded with radio frequency identification chips that can be coded with an ID number.
Who’s Using It Patented as Smartcorq by Italy’s Lab ID, the tech has been deployed by Umbrian winery Arnaldo Caprai.

I find it fascinating the simplicity of these security measures. And to think we have come to a place in time where these tactics must be used. Although, being such an art form, I guess it must have its protective measures.

Read the full article here

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