Quality

The Quality System developed by Sogrape Vinhos encompasses the entire business and complies with the high and demanding standards particular to the agri-food sector.
Thus, Sogrape is not only certified in line with regulation ISO 9001:2000 of the Quality Management System, but also by the strict standards set by “BRC - British Retail Consortium - the global reference for safe food”, the IFS - International Food Standard - set for food products sold by retailers and wholesalers, and by Environmental Management System regulation ISO14001:2004.
Among others, the company also complies with EC regulation nº 178/2002 - Principles and general rules of food legislation, along with 852/2004 - Hygiene in Foodstuffs (HACCP).

Sogrape Vinhos' Quality System is a strategic tool used to develop processes of constant improvement and innovation, which utilizes technical support and appropriately qualified human resources.

Quality control operations are present at every stage of production, from receiving the grapes used to make the wines through to the packaging and shipping of the final product.

Special attention is also given to the information and educational material provided to clients and consumers regarding the specific characteristics of each product.

PRODUCT SAFETY / RISKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PHASE	RICK	RECOMENDATION
Bottle storage	Cuts from broken bottles	Avoid bottles colliding
	Injuries caused by bottles exploding	Avoid high storage temperatures (>30°C)
Opening bottles	Cuts caused by sharp capsule edges	Do not open, or open with the assistance of a cloth/glove, sealed bottles with damaged screw-caps
	Cuts caused by broken bottlenecks	Use an adequate bottle opener
		Do not use a bottle opener for sparkling wines
		Always cover the bottle with a cloth when it is difficult to open
	Injuries caused by bottles exploding	Do not use an Air Pressure bottle opener when opening sparkling wine
		Do not heat closed bottles in microwaves
		Do not put closed bottles near heat sources
	Injury caused by unexpected exit of bottle stopper	Do not position yourself in front of the bottle or point the bottle at other persons and/or breakable objects when opening a sparkling wine
Consumption*	Impaired motor skills caused by heavy consumption	Moderate consumption
	Reactions caused by consumption while on medication	Follow the recommendations prescribed by a doctor and/or medical booklet
	Hepatic, neurological or psychological changes in at-risk consumers	Avoid consumption by children, adolescents or adults with neurological, psychological or hepatic conditions
Disposing of packaging	Injuries caused by broken bottles	Dispose of empty bottles appropriately (bottlebanks)
* Expected use of wine – As a simple drink, ready to enjoy once opened, mixed in cocktails, used in cooking or as an ingredient in food products