Wine Australia today announced it has cancelled the export rights held by Jindalee Road Wines Pty Ltd, an entity operating out of the New South Wales Murray Darling region.
Jindalee Road says on its website that it is a specialist in the growth and production of white varieties and the biggest sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio grower in Australia.
Jindalee Road does not own a label but specialises in bulk sales to other wine producers.
Wine Australia’s Label Integrity Program investigation found that Jindalee Road Wines had failed to meet its record-keeping obligations established by the Wine Australia Act 2013.
Wine cannot be exported from Australia without an export licence issued by Wine Australia.
There are no concerns about health or safety for consumers of the wine, Wine Australia said. "However, wine label claims in relation to vintage, variety and region strongly influence people’s purchasing decisions.
"The licence cancellation reflects Wine Australia’s commitment to ensuring that consumers worldwide can be confident that label claims reflect what is in the bottle."
Jindalee Road Wines may make an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of the decision to cancel its export licence in accordance with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.
Wine Australia was not able to comment further as the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation.
It is not the first time the wine entity has found itself in trouble.
Jindalee Road Wines and its ex-manager David Littore were in March fined $500,000 for stealing irrigation water.
Wine Australia says, however, that there is generally a strong culture of compliance in the Australian grape and wine sector. Wine Australia has only suspended or cancelled eight licences in the past 10 years, including Jindalee Road Wines. There are more than 2000 active licence holders.
More information on the Label Integrity Program can be found at www.wineaustralia.com/labelling
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