Champagne / Sparkling Wine legal question!?!?!
What is the law that prevents sparkling wine made in the U!.S!. from being called Champagne!. Does it somehow relate to the European Union!? Thank you!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
Many European foods have received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status!. Champagne, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and even Greek feta all have this title!. Does it matter to you and me, the consumer!? Yes!. You can be absolutely sure of the origin and quality of products that carry this hard-won stamp of authenticity and know it's not a cheap imitator!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Champagne is a place first!. There are EU laws preventing naming of all kinds of things INSIDE the EU, but these are respected elsewhere to prevent confusion!. In Europe, branding is more about PLACE than about the corporation!. Grape type, wine making and growing methods and quality are all regulated before they can be attributed to this "brand"!. Burgundy, Chianti, even Asiago cheese and Single Malt Whisky are all examples of this location based branding!. For the US its Bourbon Whiskey and Vidalia onions, and Idaho potatoes!. Other Sparklers to check out are Cava (which is from Spain, but must be made the same way a Champagne)!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
France basically trademarked "methode champagnoise" which is the old monks' method of making it!. If it's not made in that way, it can't be called Champagne, then it's just sparkling wine!. But still yummy! I can't tell the difference between the methods!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
There really is none!. It is out of etiquette of the wine makers!. The French appellation system precludes any sparkling wine out of the Champagne region from being called that!. Asti, Itallian Sparking!. Most wine makers respect the tradition!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I think they can only call it "champagne" if it is actually from that region in France!. Otherwise, its sparkling wine!. p!.s!. save me a glass!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Champagne is made from gapes grown in the Champagne region of France only!. All other sparkling wines are just that, sparkling wine!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Idont know about a union but sparkling wine is far different than champagneWww@FoodAQ@Com