VINTAGE
VIGILANCE

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Understanding Wine Fraud:
Expert Insights
Wine consultant Sylvia Ba, a vinicultural expert with "VinoVoss," an AI sommelier platform developed by BetterAI, underscores the importance of historical knowledge when identifying fakes. "Sometimes the easiest way to spot a fake is by knowing a little history," Ba explains. For instance, if a collector comes across a 1971 Barolo with a DOCG label, it’s undoubtedly counterfeit, as DOCG didn’t exist until 1980. Similarly, she points out that Gaja's older vintages were labeled ‘Vino da Tavola’ since the Langhe DOC designation wasn’t established until later.
One notable case of fraud involved a counterfeit bottle of Laurent Perrier Coteaux Champenois Blanc de Blancs, which was claimed to be from 1941. "The bottle had a tax-paid stamp on the capsule that wasn’t introduced until 1960," Ba recounts, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing labels and packaging for clues to authenticity.

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Spotting the Fakes:
Key Details to Watch
A careful examination of a wine's label, cork, and even sediment can reveal telltale signs of counterfeiting. According to Ba, "One of the easiest ways to detect a fake is by carefully examining the wine label." For example, an "ultra-white" paper formula, introduced in 1957, fluoresces under blue light. If such a label is found on a 1945 vintage, it’s a clear sign of fraud. Ba also warns of counterfeiters using methods like tobacco stains or shellac to mimic wear on labels, cautioning that real aging occurs gradually and evenly.

Other signs include misspelled labels, such as inconsistent accents in Burgundy’s "Échezeaux" wines, or mismatched corks that don’t align with the bottle's vintage. Counterfeiters have even gone as far as to refill authentic bottles with inferior wine, making it essential to assess all elements, including the bottle’s weight, craftsmanship, and capsule integrity.

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Protecting Your Wine Investments
For investors, the safest approach is to purchase directly from reputable wineries or merchants with strong anti-fraud policies. "It’s worth paying a little more for a bottle with a traceable history and proper storage conditions," advises Ba. Moreover, advancements in anti-fraud technologies, including tamper-proof capsules and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), are helping ensure the authenticity of fine wines. However, Ba stresses the need for ongoing vigilance, as even sophisticated systems can be circumvented by determined counterfeiters.

By carefully assessing every aspect of a bottle and keeping up with technological innovations, investors can safeguard their collections from fraud. As Ba notes, "When in doubt, compare all aspects of the bottle—from the label to the glass to the cork. Does the story hold up? If anything feels inconsistent, ask more questions."

In an increasingly lucrative market, protecting your fine wine investments requires a sharp eye, historical knowledge, and a willingness to embrace emerging technologies.

www.vinovoss.com

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