French researchers have developed a procedure allowing them to analyse and confirm the authenticity of old bottles of wine.

High-energy ions are used by Bordeaux researchers to check on the bottle glass. It is claimed that this method allows one to confirm both the age as well as the origin of the bottle. The French Atelier Régional de Caractérisation par Analyse Nucléaire Elémentaire, a cooperation partner of the University of Bordeaux 1, has recently concluded an exclusive contract with the London-based "The Antique Wine Company", a merchant specialised on old wines. Intially around 160 old rrare wines are to be analysed, as of November the procedure will also be made available to private persons. (WF)