III.5.2 Sampling of the wine

5.2.1 Introduction

It is strongly recommended that adequate samples should be taken at each stage at which the wine is handled so that, in the event of a defect (including lack of authenticity) or contamination being found in the wine the cause and source of the defect or contamination can be established.  It is the responsibility of the party taking the samples to ensure that the samples are taken under conditions of strict hygiene in such a manner that will neither infect nor contaminate the sample or the wine in the tank.

Samples should be taken in clean, sterile bottles kept solely for the purpose. Samples should be representative of the condition of the wine being sampled and should be clearly labelled, hermetically closed, possibly sealed and stored under suitable conditions.  The used of receptacles having tamper-evident closures is recommended.

Sampling cans used in ships' tanks operations must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed in fresh, potable water before use.

Ideally, they should also be sanitised by immersion in a suitable sanitising solution followed by rinsing in fresh, sterile-filtered or sterilised potable water.

Where necessary, the Purchaser will arrange for suitable sterile sample bottles to be provided by the Supplier or other nominated Agent at the points of loading and discharge.

The samples should be clearly labelled, hermetically closed and possibly sealed, in a manner acceptable to all parties.

All the samples taken must be retained for at least 90 days or any period specified in the contracts signed by the Purchaser, the Supplier and the shipping Agent.  In cases of dispute over the quality or the condition of the wine, these samples may be analysed by accepted experts so as to establish when the fault occurred.  Additional samples may be requested by the buyers involved.

5.2.2. Sampling prior to loading

5.2.2.1 Supplier's cellars

The Supplier should take at least 4 samples of between 0.5 and 1.0 litres from each vat from which the wine is to be drawn for shipment. Samples should be drawn under strictly hygienic conditions from the heart of the tank or compartment and should be representative of the condition of the wine immediately prior to shipment. Samples should be hermetically closed, possibly sealed, clearly labelled and signed by the Supplier or in his/her presence.

• One sample should be retained by the Supplier.
• One sample should be retained by the Freight Forwarder, Ship Owner or his Agent.
• Two samples should be available to the Purchaser.

5.2.2.2 Transportation to ship's side

In the event of the wine being transported to ship's side by means of a container, tanker, rail wagon, etc., samples may be required from each container, tanker, rail wagon etc., after loading. Details of the number of samples required and of the parties requiring these samples should be agreed in writing between the Supplier and the Purchaser or the Purchaser's accredited Agent.

5.2.3 Sampling at loading

A minimum of 3 samples of between 0.5 and 1.0 litres should be taken from each tank containing the wine immediately after loading has been completed.  The samples should be taken hygienically and representatively, as specified in 5.2.2.1

Ideally, samples should be taken by the Supplier or loading point Staff in the presence of a representative of the Freight Forwarder. The samples should be clearly labelled, hermetically closed and possibly sealed in a manner mutually acceptable to all parties.

One sample should be signed for and retained by the Supplier, Freight Forwarder or Ship's Master. One sample should be retained by the Purchaser's accredited Agent. One sample should be retained for the Purchaser.

5.2.4 Sampling on arrival

Samples should be taken from each tank prior to the commencement of unloading at the point of discharge. The samples should be taken hygienically and representatively, as specified in 5.2.2.1.

The number of samples required may vary and should be agreed in advance between the Supplier, Freight Forwarder or Ship's Owner, and the Purchaser or the Purchaser's accredited Agent.

Samples should be taken by the Purchaser in the presence of a representative of the Freight Forwarder. Representatives of other interested parties may be present if the contract permits.