Fake wines concerns in China

Concerns about fake wines and traceability have come into focus in recent years, following several reports of forged first growth wines circulating within mainland China.

Bordeaux first growth Chateau Margaux will incorporate an anti-fraud seal on all bottles leaving the chateau from this week.

Albert Ho, senior superintendant at the Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department, confirmed to Decanter.com that there have been no proven cases of counterfeit wine in Hong Kong, and only five complaints of forged wines in both 2009 and again in 2010.

‘We do however have a specially-trained anti counterfeit wine squad and an intelligence bureau that tracks cases around the world to be aware of possible breaches,’ said Ho.

‘While we have no specific reports of forged bottles,’ director Paul Pontallier said, ‘we are aware that our customers are concerned about it, and we have to address that problem. And if it becomes a larger issue in the future, we want to be certain that we are ready.’

The Prooftag system will apply across Chateau Margaux, Pavillon Rouge and Pavillon Blanc. It will cover the entire production of 2009, 2010 and future vintages, and any older vintages that are sold from the property.