Can French champagne exporters name their products “champagne hut,” the Russian word for champagne? No, says Russian President Vladimir Putin, and in July signed a law against it.
Instead, all champagne producers outside Russia had to label their products “sparkling wine” to fit the shelves of Russian stores.
To deprive the people of Champagne of the right to use their own names is disgraceful. Maxime Tobart and Jean-Marie Barrelier, co-chairs of champagne commission After Putin signed.
Only Russian sparkling wine producers will be designated for champagne labeling. French newspaper the scientist He refers to Russian champagne as “a mass-produced pale version for the domestic market”.
Soon after the decision, Möet Hennessy was forced to discontinue his sale to change the label. The company accounts for 2 percent of French champagne exports to Russia.
Manufacturer’s friend
Russia is the fifteenth largest export market for French champagne. It is also one of the few countries in the world that has never recognized the word “champagne” as an exclusive word for sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France.
the scientist It is assumed that the law comes from a desire to promote local producers of sparkling wine. Among these manufacturers is Novi Svet, which is owned by Yuri Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk according to Forbes Friend of President Putin.
France has so far postponed the law until December 31. Franck Riester, France’s Trade Minister, recently resumed discussions with Russian authorities.
– We think we can convince them that they also have an interest in protecting geographical designations of origin, the Commerce Secretary said on Wednesday.
French Trade Minister Franck Riester.
Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP
Crystal clear regulations
Trond Erling Petersen, category manager at Vinmonopolet, says that in most countries you can be sure that bottles labeled “champagne” come from the Champagne region of France.
– The legislation in the European Union and almost all countries of the world is quite clear: if champagne is on the label, it must be produced in the region and in accordance with certain requirements.
Petersen further says that although sparkling wine is made from the same grapes and in the same manner as in the Champagne region, many will still insist that French champagne stands out.
– On paper, there may be great similarities, but champagne producers will say that it is still not possible. They refer to the complex flavors of hundreds of years of experience and special soils.
The French Trade Minister said if the French and the Russians did not agree Reuters He will pass the matter on to the World Trade Organization.
“But I hope we can resolve differences through dialogue,” Riester added.
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