During this year´s season of half-fermented wine (“burčák”) and partially fermented grape must, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (hereinafter “CAFIA” only) has checked 472 selling places yet. Apart from usual check of accompanying documentation and hygiene of sale, sensory analysis of the assortment on the sale has been carried out by CAFIA.  Based on this, 53 samples were taken for laboratory analysis.

Only 6 laboratory analyses have been finished yet. 3 samples were assessed as unsatisfactory as the analysis detected presence of synthetic colours azorubine, indigotine, ponceau 4R, and yellow S. Other analyses revealed ethanol exceeding the limit which was caused by added sugar. Unsatisfactory values of the above mentioned parameters are considered as evidence of adulteration. Moreover, in one case CAFIA detected lower alcoholic strength than required. This was assessed as quality deficiency.   

CAFIA will initiate administrative procedure on imposition of a fine with the above mentioned sellers. The Inspection Authority will keep on sampling of “burčák” and partially fermented grape must until the end of the selling season, i.e. until 30. 11. 2013.

Results of the other tens of samples will be released in following weeks as the laboratory method requires a natural fermentation of “burčák” and partially fermented grape must which lasts at least 4 – 6 weeks.