# A.A.A. Good Wines WANTED: Blockchain, Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Techniques and Soil Health Assessment for Wine Traceability

## TL;DR

This study uses blockchain and ultrasonic techniques to track wine authenticity and sustainability, ensuring transparency and consumer trust.

## Contribution

First integration of blockchain, ultrasonic spectroscopy, and soil biodiversity data for wine traceability and sustainability certification.

## Key findings

- Ultrasound spectroscopy effectively distinguishes wines by ethanol and sugar content.
- Soil biodiversity index (QBS-ar) reflects vineyard management practices and supports sustainable claims.
- Blockchain records create a secure, transparent system for wine traceability and origin verification.

## Abstract

The wine industry faces increasing challenges related to authenticity, safety, and sustainability due to recurrent fraud, shifting consumer preferences, and environmental concerns. In this study, as part of the B.I.O.C.E.R.T.O project, we integrated blockchain technology with ultrasonic spectroscopy and soil quality data by using the arthropod-based Soil Biological Quality Index (QBS-ar) to enhance traceability, ensure wine quality, and certify sustainable vineyard practices. Four representative wines from the Marche region (Sangiovese, Maceratino, and two Verdicchio PDO varieties) were analyzed across two vintages (2021 and 2022). Ultrasound spectroscopy demonstrated high sensitivity in distinguishing wines based on ethanol and sugar content, comparably to conventional viscosity-based methods. The QBS-ar index was applied to investigate the soil biodiversity status according to the agricultural management practices applied in each vineyard, reinforcing consumer confidence in environmentally responsible viticulture. By recording these data on a public blockchain, we developed a secure, transparent, and immutable certification system to verify the geographical origin of wines along with their unique characteristics. This is the first study to integrate advanced analytical techniques with blockchain technology for wine traceability, simultaneously addressing counterfeiting, consumer demand for transparency, and biodiversity preservation. Our findings support the applicability of this model to other agri-food sectors, with potential for expansion through additional analytical techniques, such as isotopic analysis and further agroecosystem sustainability indicators.