II.3.4.1 Topping up

Definition :

Operation consisting of the addition of wine to a wine container in order always to keep it full and to compensate for normal storage losses.

Objective :

To avoid all contact of the wine with air which could lead to oxidation or aerobic microbial growth.

Prescription :

The wine used for topping up should be the same wine or to have similar characteristics to those of the wine to which it is added so as not to modify its quality.

Recommendation of OIV :

Admitted