EVALUATING UNCERTAINTY IN SENSORY ANALYSIS. A CASE STUDY OF THE PANEL OF TASTERS OF THE DAO REGIONAL WINE COMMISSION

Metrological reliability in the sensory evaluation of products is of fundamental importance in ensuring the comparability of results. The issue of uncertainties regarding measured data in such contexts has led to new scientific approaches in the field of sensory analysis, which have become fundamental to studies that seek to compare results of sensory measurement and analysis, including studies regarding wine. The new normative framework, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, which replaces the previous version ISO/IEC 17025, published in 2005, draws attention to the concept of measurement uncertainty, stating that it should be considered by laboratories when assessing conformity and quantifying risks arising in decision-making processes. The present work examines the evaluation of uncertainty and its importance for the interpretation of results from sensory analyses, examining sensory analysis tests related to the certification of the Designation of Origin Dao, the Designation of Origin Lafoes and the Geographical Indication Terras do Dao, carried out by a panel composed of 20 tasters of the Dao Regional Wine Commission, trained and accredited by the standard NP ISO/IEC 17025:2018. The results achieved led to a conclusion that the panel presented different values of uncertainty regarding the tests to determine sensory attributes. The results and respective values of uncertainty made it possible to assess the performance of the panel of tasters and to establish a level of risk (false accept, false reject and statistical assumptions) for decision rules used when issuing statements of conformity. In this study, a new methodology was presented to determine an estimate of uncertainty to be applied in the interpretation of results related to sensory analysis tests of wines for the certification of Designation of Controlled Origin Dao, Designation of Origin Lafoes and Geographical Indication Terras do Dao. This progress led to an evolution in the day-to-day work of the Dao Regional Wine Commission tasting chamber enabling greater solidity in the opinions issued, in line with the requirements of the reference standard NP ISO/IEC 17025: 2018.

Automated summary

This study examines the assessment of uncertainty and its importance for interpreting sensory analysis results, introducing a new methodology for determining uncertainty estimates in sensory analysis tests of wines for certification. This progress has led to an evolution in the day-to-day work of the Dao Regional Wine Commission tasting chamber, enabling more solid opinions to be issued, in compliance with the requirements of the reference standard NP ISO/IEC 17025: 2018.