How do QR codes guarantee barrel traceability?

Technology at the service of winemakers and distillers

QR Codes have now become a part of everyday life and are used in many fields. By scanning them, users are redirected to a source of information.

Reoaked.com has acquired tamper-proof QR codes, in collaboration with Prooftag, a well-known company in the traceability sector, particularly in the wine and spirits industry.

They offer complete transparency on the origin and history of the barrels. This is a response to the growing demand from winemakers and distillers for authentic, high-quality products.

This technology has recently been adopted by the defense and management organization (ODG) of the Sauternes Barsac appellation to protect their reputation. Indeed, Sauternes barrels are highly sought after by distillers, particularly whisky producers, for their organoleptic qualities. The “Sauternes Cask” certification helps prevent counterfeiting.

This technology is also used in Spain for Xeres/Sherry barrels for similar reasons.

As part of Reoaked’s expertise, an experienced professional from the wine and spirit industry inspects the barrels to ensure their quality and authenticity. This is an additional guarantee of trust in an industry where provenance and storage conditions greatly influence the quality of the final products.

At what stages of the transaction are QR Codes used?

A unique QR code is affixed to each barrel subject to our expertise. Three levels of expertise are available. The conclusions and remarks provided by the expert are linked to the QR codes and recorded in our database. This ensures that each barrel can be identified, and its traceability is guaranteed.

Barrel transportation is handled by our transport providers from the seller’s site to the buyer’s site. Upon receipt, the buyer can scan the QR codes using a smartphone and verify the origin of the barrel on our dedicated authentication page. Complete traceability is available and accessible.

Why are they tamper-proof?

Reoaked QR codes cannot be removed without damaging their original appearance. They consist of two interconnected parts that are joined when first applied but will separate if someone attempts to remove them. It becomes impossible to reassemble them to stick them on another barrel and deceive the buyer. If the appearance of the QR code does not match upon delivery, fraud is immediately detected. In other words, the barrels inspected by Reoaked cannot be replaced by other barrels.

This provides a guarantee for both the buyer and the seller.