“Molecular signature” links NZ wine to vineyard

“Molecular signature” links NZ wine to vineyard

When the 2009 vintage wines from Kurow Winery appear on shelves from September, they will be among the first in the world to use a powerful New Zealand-developed process to address concern over food safety.   Internationally there is growing demand for robust proof of origin for food and beverages.

The Oritain symbol and number on the back label of the new winery’s Pasquale and Kurow Village brands will guarantee the authenticity of the wine’s origin., giving consumers around the world a tool to access the science of traceability.  Entering the number into the Oritain website will bring up conclusive scientific proof of origin that will track the bottling right down to the vineyard itself. 

The certification is achieved by investigating and logging the molecular variations that form a natural signature for each wine.  Soil samples are taken in the vineyard to establish the reference data for the geochemical signature.  Then, during bottling, Oritain Global will be on-site to collect samples of the wines as they go through Kurow Winery’s new Italian-made bottling line.  Analysis of the two profiles will conclusively evidence the link between the land and the bottled wine.

“Ultimately,” says Kurow Winery general manager Murray Turner, “using the numbering on the bottle, the wine buyer will be able to Google search right through to the Waitaki or Hakataramea Valleys where the grapes are grown and even view the vineyard.”  Authenticity and transparency are a priority for the winery and reflect the values of its owner, Antonio Pasquale.

Near the border between North Otago and South Canterbury, the Kurow Winery will officially open it doors to the public in November.  Although there are two previous vintages on the market, this is the first bottling in the new facility, under the control of winemaker Andy Nicole.  The estate has more than 100,000 vines, and varieties include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Arneis.  “Alma Mater” is a blended aromatic white under the premium Pasquale label,  and two rosé wines with eye-catching names will be launched in September.

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