New online system scores health properties of wine

A new system for evaluating wine based on its health-giving properties has been launched by online retailer Vinopic. Vinopic analyses and scores wines using a scale that ranks factors such as their content of polyphenols, especially procyanidins - anti-oxidants that can protect against the danger of various illnesses - as well as negative factors such as high amounts of alcohol, sulphites, and sugar.

It was felt that tasting notes or labels often don’t help consumers make informed choices. Roger Corder evolved what he calls the Intrinsic Quotient. This rewards well-structured wines, with healthy grape tannins - as opposed to over-ripe grapes or over-reliance on oak - and penalises high levels of alcohol. Recommended wines are then tasted and evaluated by Rosemary George MW for drinkability and a ‘Vinopic score’ is created. White wines, which have little polyphenol content are offered, but rated on taste alone. Consumers can also have a say, by rating the wines they buy for quality and value. Their scores are then factored in.