Thoughts on the Allegations of Falsified Data by a Medical Researcher of Red Wine and Resveratrol

I reported on this story in detail on Wednesday. At the time, my primary focus was on reporting the facts, not adding commentary. However, I find that two things — aside from the apparent fraud — continue to bother me.

UConn says the announcement is the result of the three-year investigation. Why are they just releasing information about the wrong-doing now? Was there not an earlier point when they could have acted? How much other research in that period has been based on Dr. Dipak Das’s work under the assumption that it was sound? How many funds have been plowed into further research by Das in those three years?

The second thing that irks me is that, even after the three-year investigation and warnings to 11 different peer-reviewed journals that published work by Das, UConn is not announcing which research was compromised. They say there were at least 145 instances of falsification or manufacturing of data. Which findings are now in question? Until we hear otherwise, we must assume that everything he's published is unreliable.

Illegible Labeling of Alcohol Content in Wine

Wine producers are required by United States law to disclose the alcohol percentage of a wine on each bottle. Wineries are required to submit labels for TTB approval prior to shipment. The TTB gives producers leeway of +/- 1% on the stated alcohol as compared to the actual wine. If alcohol content is between 7% and 14%, producers may omit the percentage statement and use the phrases “Table Wine” or “Light Wine” instead.

That’s all good. Except that, increasingly in my experience, wineries are making these alcohol statements so small and using ink so close in color to the paper that the statements are virtually illegible. I have good vision. It’s actually so-good-it-annoys-people-vision. Yet, even in good light, I find myself holding bottles right up to my face and squinting. In some cases, I still can’t be sure what the numbers say. For people with even slightly impaired vision, the text may as well say “up yours.”

Hey wineries who love microscopic type, you make an alcoholic product. You’re required by law to disclose alcohol content. How about following the intent of the law, not just the letter. Let us actually read the statement.

Openings for WSET Intermediate Classes

There are still a couple of seats left for WSET Intermediate classes which begin on January 19. The classes are administered by Adam Chase of Grape Experience. I’ve gone through his programs myself and highly recommend them. The classes take place at night in San Francisco’s Presidio. Contact Adam to register or for further details.

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This article is original to NorCalWine.com. Copyright 2012 NorCal Wine. Photo by Niabot. All rights reserved.