Can’t tell if it’s shiraz or merlot? Let the E-Tongue decide

If you’re no good at telling the difference between varieties of wine, Spanish researchers might have the answers.

If you’re no good at telling the difference between varieties of wine, Spanish researchers might have the answers.

According to Time magazine, scientists at Barcelona’s Institute for Microelectronics have unveiled a device that is able to tell the difference between different grapes and vintages.

The device involves a series of synthetic membranes linked to a silicon chip called a microsensor. Each membrane detects a different chemical component of the liquid that characterises a grape varietal.

So far, the device can distinguish between four: chardonnay, aisen, malvasia, and macabeu.

Wine industry figures believe the device could be an important weapon in the fight against wine fraud, where winemakers try to pass off common grape varieties (like merlot) as exclusive regional brands (such as Rioja).