BRL Hardy claims its new Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS) technique developed in conjunction with the Australian Wine Research Institute which determines red grape quality on the basis of grape colour is a world first. The technique, which after two years of trials made its debut in the Riverland and Sunraysia regions during the 2000 vintage, provides a result in minutes and should assist decisions on how grapes are to be processed and how much should be paid to growers. The test uses the reflectance of near infrared light to provide information on the chemical composition of a grape sample. BRL’s next aim is to create a portable in-field version of the testing device and to adapt its usage to white grapes.
