Procedures of Albarino identification what have we learned?

摘要

The first I heard about the possible mistaken identity of Albarino vines in Australia was from a colleague who knew of my interest in this exciting Spanish and Portuguese variety. I have been promoting Albarino (the Spanish name, as Alvarinho is the Portuguese name) in Australia and elsewhere for some time now. Albarino, along with other Iberian varieties, has a grand potential in Australia, as the range of climates here and there are similar. The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC) released an email on 4 February 2009, indicating there could be problems with the identity of Albarino. A South Australian viticulturist alerted the AWBC that an ampelographic determination had been made in South Australia, and had apparently been reinforced by DNA testing in France. This email suggested that some, or perhaps all, of the Albarino in Australia may, in fact, be a minor Italian variety, Savignin. This is an important issue, since the AWBC Act requires correct labelling.