Especially for wines that claim they are organic, such as orange wine. Wine traceability is crucial in tracking fake wine in the market.
In this piece, we are going to learn why traceability is essential. Initially, we will start by understanding how a normal winemaking process works and then touch upon one of the latest trends that are being used in wine traceability, which is Blockchain Technology.
Wine Traceability
Wine traceability is a method used to spot fake wine, where anyone in the wine supply chain can quickly and efficiently verify and track various parameters such as origin, composition, transportation, and lots more.
Winemaking Process
Winemaking can be easily broken down into these five main steps:
1. Harvesting
Harvesting of the grape can be done manually or mechanically using machines. Notably, the primary responsibility of deciding when to begin harvesting remains the winemaker’s personal style.
2. Crushing and Pressing
Crushing and pressing is the next step after harvesting. This step may not always be the case because some winemakers prefer the fermentation process to start in the grape before crushing and pressing it. In the old days, before the mechanical pressers, people used to gather and stomp on the grape, like a harvest dance. This winemaking practice is lost now because of advances in technology. However, mechanical pressers have their benefits because they allow increased production of wine to meet global needs.
3. Fermentation
Fermentation is the process by which the grapes that have undergone crushing are converted into wine. This transformation is done with the help of yeast, which breaks down all the sugar content in the grape into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The fermentation timeline depends on the winemaker.
4. Clarification and Filtering
After fermentation is done, clarification involves moving the wine carefully to another barrel in order to leave any pomace behind. This process is done in conjunction with filtering, which involves putting a filter to remove any precipitate or solid left in the wine after clarification.
5. Aging and Bottling
Finally, the wine is placed in bottles and is left to age, and this aging process enables many wines to gain that mature character that makes them smoother, sweeter, and thus fully flavored as is desired by many consumers. The aging process depends on the winemaker and the type of barrel being used.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is slowly being incorporated into the winemaking process. This process allows for a smooth and secure data exchange along the supply chain, which starts right from the vineyard owners, wine producers, distributors, and retailers. This data ensures the entire supply chain is working towards a common goal.
Final Thoughts
The process of making wine from grape to glass is a craft, and with increased consumption, consumers demand more authenticity and transparency. Wine traceability solves that problem by putting strict regulations in place and tracking the entire wine supply chain, from the vineyard owners to the consumers.
