Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

"International Standards Laboratory plays a key role in ensuring the wine quality control" stated Levan Davitashvili

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili got information about the studies on new parameters introduced in the wine laboratory. The laboratory has been equipped with an expensive instrument – Isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and has started to measure the stable isotope ratio in alcoholic beverages of grape origin in order to improve and enhance the wine quality control.

" The wine laboratory plays a key role in ensuring the wine quality control, moreover, quality control is an essential tool in creating a high reputation of Georgian wine. Therefore, upgrading / re-equipping the laboratory and constantly increasing its competence is our priority. The introduction and application of isotope ratio analysis is an important step forward in the development of the laboratory. New research will enable to protect the wine making technology, meet the requirements of the product standard and spot the counterfeit wine’’- said Levan Davitashvili.

In addition to the quality control, the Ministry actively cooperates with the Wine Laboratory in the field of scientific research. Moreover, a number of activities are planned to be implemented to enhance the competence of small wine-making entrepreneurs and farmers, including, conducting of training, seminar, research analysis of wine samples and discussion.

It is important to encourage farmers of Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Imereti regions etc, whereby, modern wine making technologies are less likely to be used.
 
" The laboratory should respond to the challenges facing the field, the requirements of the state and the private sector. It is essential to be prepared to meet the quality control regulations in both local and international markets.


New equipment - mass spectrometer will allow us to determine the carbon, hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope racio in alcoholic beverages. Many countries have a demand for these parameters.

Consequently, there is a high demand for above mentioned analysis in the market. A few days ago, the National Accreditation Center provided monitoring of our activities and we received accreditation for these methods. We will be ready to conduct a research next week.
The enterpreneurs aren’t obliged to conduct the stable isotope ratio analizisis, it isn’t compulsory for them, although regulation requires the compliance with the product standard "- said the director of the Wine Laboratory, Irma Chanturia.

The laboratory staff has undergone the training and passed the relevant test in order to work on the new device.

The Wine Laboratory Ltd. currently operating under the auspices of the Agricultural Research Center was established in 2006 as part of a project of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).

The laboratory carries out testing of wine and spirits, providing service for individuals, as well as government agencies, large and small wineries, factories and individuals interested in the wine business.

The wine laboratory is equipped with the modern equipment and has a qualified staff. This is the only laboratory in Georgia, which is responsible for testing  alcoholic beverages.