What are batch records?
A batch record is the official document that tracks a wine’s fermentation from the initial must to completion. In most wine-producing countries, keeping this kind of production record is a legal requirement, and it is also the backbone of good cellar management.
What information does a batch record contain?
Basic data
- Batch number - a unique identifier (e.g. NS/2024/001)
- Tank number - where the wine is fermenting
- Start date - when fermentation began
- Vintage - the year the grapes were harvested
- Variety - the grape type (e.g. Solaris, Regent)
- Wine type - white, red, rosé
Volume and parameters
- Initial volume - how many litres of must
- Initial extract - sugar content (°Bx)
- Final volume - after fermentation
- Lees loss - how much was left in the sediment
Additives
Every addition to the batch (yeast, nutrients, sugar, acids) must be documented with:
- The purchase document number
- The name of the additive
- The quantity (kg or litres)
Fermentation checks
Regular measurements of the wine’s parameters:
- Check date
- Alcohol content (%)
- Total acidity
- Volatile acidity
- Actual extract
How to use it in WineryElf?
- New batch record: Dashboard → “+ New batch record”
- Fill in the data: the form walks you through every required field
- Add additives: as you use them
- Log checks: enter measurements regularly
- Export to XLSX: download a ready-to-print document
Label and e-label section
In the batch record details you will find a Label section with a form for nutritional values (energy, fat and saturated fat, carbohydrates and sugars, protein, salt) and allergens. This data feeds both the printed label and the wine’s public e-label, in line with EU Regulation 2021/2117. See the article on wine labels for details.
Batch record statuses
- 🔴 Fermentation - fermentation is active
- 🟡 Maturing - the wine is ageing
- 🟢 Bottled - the wine is in bottles
- ⚫ Sold - the batch has been sold
- ❌ Cancelled - the batch failed