The Seal of Guarantee, issued by the CVRVV assures the quality and authenticity of the Vinho Verde Region vinical products. The Seal of Guarantee is the final result of the certification process in which the laboratory plays a very important role. The CVRVV laboratory's responsibilities include the analysis of Wines and its by-products in order to assure that its characteristics meet those set for the region's products.

The Laboratory of the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes is an officially recognised lab since 1926, equipped with both human and technical means that allow some 10.000 physicochemical and sensorial analysis of wines and by-products every year. These analysis comply with national and international standards. In order to accomplish such a large number of analysis every year, the laboratory employs a team of 5 experts, 6 analysts, 2 managers and 2 assistants.

Each sample follows a pre-established cycle. After entering the Laboratory's office it becomes confidential and so it goes through the Sensorial (Wine Taster Chamber ), Physicochemical . In those areas, about 20 sampling tests are performed, allowing the valuation of the legal characteristics of the Vinho Verde and its by-products.

Apart from the Region's vinical product certification, the Laboratory has another tasks, namely:

• organisation of the Bottled Vinho Verde Contest
• technical support is given to the producers and economic agents through analysis and advice concerning care to be taken in the production and maintenance of quality wines

A Quality System meeting the NP EN 45001 standards is being implemented and is expected to be running in the first quarter of 1998. Pursuing its objectives, the Laboratory is undergoing a process of restructuration of both its management and work methods.

The Laboratory Quality System is described in the Quality Manual, where you may find the Quality Policy in force at the Laboratory, as well as all the implemented activities to achieve it.