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The technical audit of a wine estate: key points to check

Published at October 1, 2024 by Bernard Charlotin
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The technical audit of a wine estate: key points to check

The technical audit is a crucial stage in the process of acquiring a wine estate. It enables the potential buyer to make an in-depth assessment of the state of the estate, the quality of its production and its development potential.

This article details the essential points to check during a technical audit, to ensure a successful transaction and a sound investment in the world of wine.

Table of contents
Vineyard analysis
    Condition of vines and soil
    Cultivation practices
Assessment of production facilities
    The winery and winemaking equipment
    Traceability and control tools
Oenological analysis
    Wine tasting
    Laboratory analysis
Assessing development potential
    Production capacity
    Opportunities for improvement
Regulatory and legal aspects
    Compliance with production standards
    Rights and easements
Conclusion
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Vineyard analysis

Condition of vines and soil

Assessing the condition of the vines is crucial to determining the future quality of production. Careful consideration should be given to

  • The age of the vines and their state of health
  • Planting density and row spacing
  • The grape varieties present and their suitability for the terroir
  • Soil structure and composition (soil analysis)

A viticultural expert can carry out an in-depth analysis of the soil to assess its fertility and ability to produce quality grapes. This step is essential for understanding the estate's potential and identifying any problems that need to be resolved.

Cultivation practices

The audit must also cover the cultivation practices used on the estate:

  • Pruning and vine training methods
  • Management of grass cover and tillage
  • Use of plant protection products and compliance with environmental standards
  • Irrigation techniques (if authorised in the appellation)

This information is used to assess the sustainability of practices and their impact on the quality of the grapes produced.

Assessment of production facilities

The winery and winemaking equipment

The audit must include a thorough inspection of the winery and wine-making equipment:

  • Condition and capacity of fermentation and storage vats
  • Presence and condition of harvest reception equipment (sorting table, destemmer, etc.)
  • Temperature control and fermentation monitoring equipment
  • Pressing and filtration equipment
  • It is important to check that these facilities are adapted to the winery's production volume and are capable of producing quality wines.

Traceability and control tools

As part of the audit, the traceability and control systems in place should be examined:

  • Phytosanitary treatment records
  • Vinification and ageing books
  • Stock and marketing monitoring tools
  • Computerised production management systems

These elements are essential to ensure regulatory compliance and optimise the management of the estate.

Oenological analysis

Wine tasting

An important part of the audit consists of tasting the wines produced by the estate:

  • Organoleptic assessment of the different vintages
  • Analysis of the quality and style of the wines
  • Comparison with the standards of the appellation
  • Identification of the wines' ageing and development potential

This tasting enables us to assess the overall quality of the production and how well it meets market expectations.

Laboratory analysis

Laboratory analyses can complement the tasting:

  • Measurement of alcoholic strength, acidity and pH
  • Determination of sulphites and other additives
  • Evaluation of microbiological stability
  • Detection of defects or contamination

These analyses provide objective information on the technical quality of the wines and their compliance with current standards.

Assessing development potential

Production capacity

The audit should enable us to assess the estate's current production capacity and its potential for growth:

  • Area planted and average yields
  • Capacity of vinification facilities
  • Possibility of extending the vineyard or acquiring new plots of land
  • Constraints linked to the appellation or local regulations

This information is crucial in determining the estate's growth prospects.

Opportunities for improvement

The audit should also identify opportunities to improve quality and profitability:

  • Potential for conversion to organic or biodynamic farming
  • Potential for improving cultivation and oenological practices
  • Opportunities to diversify the wine range
  • Opportunities for optimising production costs

These factors will enable us to assess the estate's potential in the medium and long term.

Regulatory and legal aspects

Compliance with production standards

The audit must check that the estate complies with current production standards:

  • Compliance with the appellation specifications
  • Compliance with environmental and health regulations
  • Validity of planting authorisations 
  • Compliance with production quotas (if applicable)

These checks are very important to avoid any future legal risks.

Rights and easements

It is important to examine the rights and easements attached to the estate:

  • Water and irrigation rights
  • Rights of way or use
  • Replanting rights
  • Constraints related to heritage or environmental protection

These factors can have a significant impact on the value and development potential of the estate.

Conclusion

The technical audit of a wine estate is a crucial stage in the acquisition process. It provides an in-depth assessment of the state of the estate, the quality of its production and its development potential. By carefully examining the vineyard, production facilities, wine quality and regulatory aspects, potential buyers can make an informed decision and minimise the risks associated with their investment.

It is advisable to call on experts (winegrowers, oenologists, lawyers) to carry out this audit rigorously and exhaustively. Their expertise will help to identify the estate's strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for improvement and development.

Ultimately, a well-conducted technical audit forms the basis of a successful transaction and a promising wine project. It enables buyers to be sure that the estate meets their expectations and objectives, in terms of both quality and finance, and to look to the future of their wine estate with confidence.

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