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New Zealand Grape Wine Export Code

5 Information for Sensory Evaluators

5.1 Introduction

To be eligible for export, New Zealand grape wine must be determined to be free from obvious fault. This determination is made through sensory evaluation conducted by a panel of persons authorised by the NZFSA.

5.2 Appointment of sensory evaluators

NZFSA will authorise persons to undertake the sensory evaluation of export wine (sensory evaluators). In order to be authorised as a sensory evaluator, a person must:

a. have sufficient experience in the sensory evaluation of wine to enable them to detect obvious fault in a wine (minimum of two years);

b. have knowledge of the export eligibility requirements and any procedures relevant to the “free from obvious fault” assessment (refer in particular to 4.7.1, definition for obvious fault);

c. be nominated by a member of the Wine Institute of New Zealand who is able to confirm the above qualifications, using the Nomination of Sensory Evaluator form.

d. Have received advice from NZFSA that they have been authorised to undertake sensory evaluation for the purposes of wine export eligibility.

5.3 Undertaking sensory evaluation

Sensory evaluation is conducted by a panel of three NZFSA authorised sensory evaluators supervised by a representative from WECS

The sensory evaluation is conducted in accordance with the following process:

a. wines for evaluation will be opened and poured in an area separate from the area in which the evaluation is conducted in order to ensure that evaluators are unaware of the identity of any wine served to them;

b. wine will be served “blind” to the evaluation panel. The only information provided to the panel will be the variety or style of the wine and the vintage of the wine;

c. evaluators should assess the wines independent of other members of the panel. They may discuss the wine following the individual assessment to reach a consensus of opinion;

d. the results of the panel will be recorded by the person supervising the sensory evaluation. Any wine that is determined to be free from obvious fault shall have its brand name and other details, including the unique identifier number, recorded on the export eligibility database;

e. where a wine is not determined to be free from obvious fault, it shall automatically be resubmitted to the next available panel. Such resubmission shall be on the same basis as above.

Remnant bottles of wines shall be returned to the WECS, or disposed of in accordance with the New Zealand Winegrowers wine policy.

5.4 Review process for wine not determined to be free from obvious fault

Where a wine is determined, by two sensory evaluation panels, as not being free from obvious fault, then the applicant seeking export eligibility approval has a right to apply to WECS for a review of that decision. The right of review can be exercised by sending the Application for Review Form to WECS within 28 days of notification of the result of the assessment, along with three additional samples of the wine in question to WECS. The review will follow the process outlined below:

a. the review will be conducted by three NZFSA authorised sensory evaluators chosen by WECS on the basis that they are independent of the first two evaluation panels and of the person whose wine is being reviewed (the review panel);

b. WECS will allocate a time and place to conduct the review and notify the exporter;

c. the wine maker will be invited to provide a written submission to the review panel for their consideration prior to the review;

d. the wine maker and the review panel will be provided with copies of any documentation relevant to the review;

e. the wine maker/exporter will be invited to attend the review in person or by representative;

f. the review will be supervised by WECS;

g. WECS will explain the grounds upon which the wine has been refused export eligibility approval;

h. If the wine maker or their representative is present, they will be invited to make an oral submission in addition to any written submission already submitted. The review panel will be able to ask the wine maker or their representative any relevant questions at this time concerning the submissions;

i. The wine maker or their representative will then be asked to leave the assessment room and the review panel will assess the wine. There may be no discussion between panel members at this time;

j. The wine maker or their representative will be invited back into the assessment room and review panel members will be invited to ask any further questions they have, after which they will then be asked to leave the assessment room;

k. Panel members will be asked to write their decision on the form provided;

l. The panel may reserve its decision if it deems necessary, and give reasons for its decision.

5.5 Outcome of the review

If the review panel unanimously agrees that the wine is free from obvious fault, the wine maker/exporter or their representative and NZFSA will be notified of this and the export eligibility database will be updated to reflect this.

If the review panel are unable to unanimously agree that the wine is not free from obvious fault, this decision shall be notified by NZFSA to the wine maker/exporter or their representative. Export eligibility approval will not be granted for the wine, and it will not be eligible for export from New Zealand.