OIV general assembly in Moldova sets new global standards for vine health, wine authenticity, and consumer information

The 23rd General Assembly of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) took place on June 20, 2025, in Chisinau, Moldova, following the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine. The event brought together more than 500 participants from 41 countries for five days of scientific exchange, technical visits, and policy discussions. Over 300 scientific presentations were delivered, and 13 technical visits were organized across Moldova’s wine regions.

On the final day, the OIV General Assembly adopted 14 resolutions covering viticulture, oenology, economy and law, and safety and health. These decisions reflect the OIV’s ongoing role as a scientific and technical authority for the global vine and wine sector.

One of the key resolutions addressed interventions to eradicate or contain grapevine Flavescence dorée epidemics. This disease poses a significant threat to vineyards in many countries. The new guidelines recommend specific prophylactic measures and agronomic interventions to prevent introduction and spread in unaffected areas, as well as control strategies for regions where the disease is already present. The resolution builds on previous recommendations from 2006 and emphasizes long-term economic impacts.

In viticulture, the Assembly defined reconstituted grape juice with specific Brix values: 16° for Vitis vinifera species and 14° for Vitis labrusca species. This definition aligns with international standards such as those set by Codex Alimentarius.

Oenological practices saw several updates. The use of fumaric acid was expanded to include musts for microbiological control. Previously approved for inhibiting malolactic fermentation in wine and for acidification, fumaric acid can now be used at doses up to 0.8 g/L in musts to control lactic acid bacteria growth. However, its use may affect fermentation kinetics in certain situations.

The Assembly also adopted new analytical methods for oenological products. A method using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was approved to determine the origin of tartaric acid (L+), distinguishing between natural grape-derived and synthetic sources. Another IRMS method was adopted for chitosan, allowing differentiation between fungal and crustacean origins based on isotopic ratios.

For laboratory analysis, new methods were introduced for measuring total acidity in grape-based products by titration and for counting yeast cells in musts, wines, and yeast cultures using flow cytometry. These methods provide more precise data on yeast viability and fermentation dynamics, supporting better process control in winemaking.

Guidelines were also established for evaluating the fermentation properties of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. The standardized protocol allows laboratories worldwide to compare data on wine yeast performance under consistent conditions.

The OIV updated its standards for international wine competitions by revising score sheets to improve clarity for tasters, compatibility with digital tools, and reliability of results. Descriptions for each evaluation criterion were redefined to ensure greater consistency across competitions.

In the area of economy and law, the OIV modified its international standard for labeling spirituous beverages of vitivinicultural origin. New specifications allow member states to require or authorize ingredient lists and nutrition declarations as optional or mandatory information according to national regulations. E-labels may be used to display this information digitally. However, substances known to cause hypersensitivity must always be indicated on physical labels if present in the final product.

Four individuals awarded OIV Merit Award for contributions to viticulture and oenology

During the Assembly, four individuals received OIV Merit Awards for their contributions to viticulture and oenology.

Gheorghe Arpentin from Moldova was recognized for his leadership in Moldovan viticulture and his roles at both national and international levels.

Christiane Blum from Luxembourg was honored for her decades-long service in analytical chemistry and oenology within the OIV expert groups.

Ann Mohlén Årling from Sweden was acknowledged for her work shaping EU wine legislation and representing consumer interests over two decades.

Ricardo F. Nuñez from Argentina was celebrated for his influence on global wine industry innovation, education, and humanitarian efforts.

The resolutions adopted at this year’s General Assembly reflect ongoing efforts by the OIV to address current challenges in vine health, product authenticity, analytical precision, consumer information, and responsible consumption worldwide. The event highlighted Moldova’s growing role in international wine affairs while reinforcing global cooperation among wine-producing nations.