Decisions on Oenological Practices
Several resolutions relating to new oenological practices will be added to the International Code of Oenological Practices of the OIV, in particular:
- A new oenological practice on the treatment of wines using a membrane technique coupled with activated carbon to reduce excess 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol was accepted (Resolution OIV-OENO 504-2014). This physical treatment consists of using technologies combining nanofiltration and treatment with deodorising activated carbon, with the objective of reducing the content of 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol of microbial origin, which constitutes an organoleptic defect and masks the aromas of the wine.
- In addition, a Code of good vitivinicultural practices in order to avoid or limit contamination by Brettanomyces was adopted (Resolution OIV-OENO 462-2014). Among processes that deteriorate wine quality, the production of volatile phenols by Brettanomyces is widespread and increasingly problematic. The management of Brettanomyces is an important winemaking issue; Brettanomyces are reported to be involved in spoilage resulting in aromatic defects. This code determines the measures to be set up in vineyards and in wine cellars in order to contribute to reducing the risks linked to the presence of Brettanomyces.
Decisions on Specifications of Oenological Products
The following monographs have been added to the International Oenological Codex, in particular:
- A monograph on PVI/PVP adsorbent copolymers. Various detailed specifications accompany this monograph, monomer limits in musts and wines in particular. This monograph thus supplements the oenological practice that permits the treatment of wines with this copolymer. (Resolution OIV-OENO 262-2014).
- A monograph on silver chloride (Resolution OIV-OENO 505-2014). This monograph relates to silver chloride used for adsorption by an inert support with a view to its use in wine. Silver chloride is used for the treatment of wines to remove fermentation- and storage-related abnormal odours (odours caused by reduction reactions, characterised by the presence of hydrogen sulphide and thiols).
Decisions on Methods of Analysis
During this same session, three new methods of analysis were adopted and will be added to the analytical corpus of the OIV. These include, in particular:
- A method of determination of biogenic amines in wine by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (Resolution OIV-OENO 457-2014). The principle of this method is based on the coupling of a chromophore to the biogenic amines, which, by derivatisation, enables biogenic amines to be obtained that are visible by diode array detector.
- A method for the determination of lysozyme in wine using high-performance liquid chromatography (Resolution OIV-OENO 458-2014). This method describes the analytical procedure used to determine lysozyme in red and white wines. The determination can be carried out on the sample directly for white wines, but for red wines a dissociation of the enzyme from the polyphenolic macromolecules by means of sudden alkalinisation must be undertaken, using the principle of the amphoteric nature of the protein.
- A method for the determination of methanol in wine by gas chromatography (Resolution OIV-OENO 480-2014). This method, which replaces the existing method, is applicable to the quantification of methanol in wines for concentrations between 50 and 500 mg/L. Methanol is determined using gas chromatography coupled to detection using flame ionisation in the distillate, to which an internal standard is added.
- A modification to the method relating to the determination of the carbon isotope ratio 13C/12C of CO2 in sparkling wines: method using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was finally adopted (Resolution OIV-OENO 512-2014). The main changes concern, on the one hand, CO2 sampling procedures and, on the other hand, the addition of precision parameters defined as part of an inter-laboratory test.
Decisions on Economy and Law
The OIV also adopted the definition of sommelier. A sommelier is defined as a professional from the vitivinicultural and catering sectors, wineries or other distributors that recommend and serve beverages at a professional level.
Their field of activity is the service of wine in the catering industry or in establishments selling wine, as well as the provision of specialised advice for those involved in the wine market to ensure good presentation and service of products. Their role and skills are also specified (Resolution OIV-ECO 474-2014).
Decisions on Safety and Health
Considering the expectations of professionals in the sector, the OIV Member States adopted a resolution regarding a Code of good fining practice for wine to be applied in the use of proteinaceous allergenic wine fining agents. This code specifies the different steps to be followed in the fining and filtration processes, as well as in confirming that no residual allergenic fining agents can be detected (Resolution OIV-SECSAN 520-2014).
The full texts of the resolutions adopted by the 12th OIV General Assembly will shortly be available on the OIV website, www.oiv.int.
- 7519 mha is the worldwide area under vines in 2013
- Despite decrease in area under vine, the world production of grapes has been increasing (751 Mql) in 2013
- 271 Mhl is the first estimation for the wine produced in 2014
- Sparkling wine market has expanded in recent years: in 10 years production has increased by more than 40% and consumption by 30%.
OIV’s Focus on the Sparkling wine market
During a working meeting with the President of the National Institute of Vitiviniculture (INAVI), Mr José Lez Secchi, and members of the board, Mr Aurand gave a presentation on the situation of the vitivinicultural sector and its major developments on a global scale. This presentation was followed by a discussion regarding the position of Uruguayan viticulture within this context and the key issues it faces.
The President of the INAVI confirmed that he wanted to further strengthen Uruguay's presence within the various working groups of the Organisation.
During a meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, agricultural engineer Tabaré Aguerre, the Minister stressed the Government's desire to develop the vitivinicultural sector by promoting the production of quality wines and the image of the Tannat vine variety. The Minister also expressed the hope that Uruguay might host an OIV World Congress of Vine and Wine in the near future.
Finally, Mr Aurand attended the presentation of awards to vitivinicultural companies who took part in "Catas solidarias", an approach based around solidarity with disadvantaged populations.
This underlined Azerbaijan's interest in the OIV and its desire to become fully involved in the work of the Organisation.
H.E. Mr Elchin Amirbayov also confirmed that the Festival of Vine and Wine would again take place in Ganja in October 2015, and that it would be the occasion to open the Museum of Vine and Wine.
Jean-Marie Aurand expressed his satisfaction with the quality of relations with the Azerbaijani authorities, and with their wish to reinforce their presence within the various working groups of the Organisation. He confirmed that he would visit the Festival in Ganja, during which a training session on wine tasting in particular will be organised, according to the specifications of the OIV.
Finally, the Ambassador indicated that his country would like to host an OIV Congress in the near future.
In response to the invitation from Professors Vasco Boatto – President of the University of Padova and Director of the University Centre for Research in Conegliano – and Eugenio Pomarici – Professor at the University of Naples and President of the OIV "Economy and Law" Commission – the Director General of the OIV visited the Conegliano Interdepartmental Centre for Research in Viticulture and Oenology on 9-10 December 2014.
On this occasion, before an assembly of teacher-researchers, students and professionals in the vitivinicultural sector, Jean-Marie Aurand gave a presentation on the OIV and the main issues for the wine sector in the years ahead.
The Conegliano Interdepartmental Centre for Research was founded in 1876 – making it the oldest in Italy. It provides professional and academic training in the fields of viticulture and oenology, as well as conducting research in these areas.
The trip was extended to include discussions with members of the board of directors of the "Consorzio" for the protection of Prosecco and visits to companies in the sector. These meetings resulted in a number of conversations about the state of the wine market and its developments.
