STPN

Compulsory sensory and analytical test for quality wines and paedicat wines in Austria (this is not necessary for the quality levels wine and country wine ). As proof of passing the test, the State Test Number is awarded, which must be indicated on the label. The procedure was introduced in Austria in 1987 as one of the measures in response to the wine scandal uncovered in 1985, where simple wines were adulterated by some producers by the forbidden addition of the antifreeze glycol to allegedly high-quality wines with high residual sweetness.

The state test number must be indicated on the bottle label. From this, the testing agency, producer and vintage can be clearly and unequivocally traced back. The wine may not be altered from the beginning of the application until the end of the procedure and from the time of issuance. In particular, subsequent blending (with other varieties), deacidification, fining and sugaring are prohibited. Only maintenance measures such as sulphurisation, addition of ascorbic acid and metatartaric acid, changes in carbon dioxide content and filtration are permitted.

Testing agencies

The "Bundesamt für Weinbau in Eisenstadt" (Burgenland) is authorised to award the test number for all Austrian quality and predicate wines as well as to carry out all procedures for the award. Applications must be submitted to this office in Eisenstadt or its branch offices, or to the Höhere Bundeslehranstalt für Wein- und Obstbau in Klosterneuburg (Lower Austria) by means of a form. The...