Wines & Ciders Survey 2002

This collaborative survey was conducted during the summer of 2002. Thirteen local authorities contributed to the survey, all of which submitted samples of wine, with 8 authorities also submitting samples of cider. Participants in this survey agreed to the production of this consolidated report, and to the sharing of all survey results with fellow participants.

A total of 90 samples of wine were analysed for both alcohol and sulphur dioxide preservative. Alcohol results were used to check the accuracy of the strength indication on the label. The levels of sulphur dioxide, the presence of which need not be declared in wine, but which is known to provoke an adverse reaction in some individuals, were compared with legislative requirements.

The wines were from 17 different countries of production including England, and included examples from across the price/quality spectrum.

41 samples of cider and one of perry were submitted in the second phase of the survey, which overlapped the first since samples were analysed not only for sulphur dioxide preservative, but also for the presence of undeclared intense sweeteners. The fact that all except one of the 35 different brands received was British is a reflection of the regional identity of this alcoholic drink.

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