en en en en en en en ru en en en en en en en en ru en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en az en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en
Bottles of the Brut Imperial sparkling wine produced at the Abrau-Durso Russian Wine House, one of Russia’s most prominent sparkling wine brands, in Novorossiysk.
Dmitry Feoktistov | TASS | Getty Images
LONDON — French Champagne producers have been left fuming over a new Russian law that they say tries to undermine their world-famous brand.
Champagne is a region in the northeast of France, but more famously is the name of the sparkling wine produced there.
Russian authorities are challenging that with a new law put forward earlier this week that requires French Champagne producers to add the words “sparkling wine” on the back of the label if they want to sell their bottles in Russia. Champagne producers are proud of their name and brand and refuse to use any reference to “sparkling wine.”
The same law allows Russian producers of sparkling wine to use “shampanskoye” — the Russian word for Champagne — on their bottles.
“We are just shocked,” Charles Goemaere, director general of the Champagne Committee, a trade association that represents independent Champagne producers and houses, told CNBC on Thursday.
The “first financial damage,” he said, is that producers “are unable to export champagne to the Russian market despite (previous) orders.” Changing labels on bottles that are ready to be shipped would be a technical and financial challenge.
A stone marker indicates the vineyards belong to Champagne Veuve Clicquot in the village of Ay in the Vallée de la Marne champagne production region of eastern France.
David Silverman | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The French Champagne industry asked its members to halt shipments to Russia for now, stating that the name “Champagne” is protected in over 120 countries.
In 2020 alone, Champagne producers exported 2.6 billion euros ($3.07 billion) worth of bottles globally. The top buyers were the U.K., the U.S., and Japan, according to data from the Champagne Committee.
“Russia’s new bill is of course designed to support domestic producers,” Fredrik Erixon, director at the think tank ECIPE, said via email.
A new WTO dispute
The protection of the name “Champagne” comes under what is known as “geographical indications” or GIs. This concept in international trade recognizes that certain signs, usually names, identify a particular product with its territory. In essence, the quality and reputation of the item is attributed to its geographic origin.
This is the case for sparkling wine produced in Champagne, but also Scottish whisky, Roquefort cheese and so on.
Goemaere, of the Champagne Committee, told CNBC the industry wants French and European officials “to initiate discussions with the Russian authorities to find a solution.”
“We will unfailingly support our producers and French excellence,” Franck Riester, France’s trade minister, said earlier this week on Twitter.
This dispute could ultimately reach the World Trade Organization.
The new Russian law “doesn’t deny French producers in Champagne to use the Champagne label, nor does the bill deny that there is a Champagne appellation that is unique to the French region. Hence, France and the EU cannot make a straightforward case if they table a complaint at the WTO,” Erixon told CNBC.
However, he added that France and the EU “may still win such a case since the Russians seem to err on the wrong side” of well-established geographical indicators.
In addition, Erixon said that “unless there is a bilateral solution found soon, I am sure that the EU would file a complaint. Protecting GIs is a central plank of EU trade policy and there are risks that other countries would follow Russia’s example if it would stand up.”
Bottles of Champagne Rene Geoffrey’s Rosé de Saignée Premier Cru Brut champagne ages in the cellars of the family-owned boutique winery.
David Silverman | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Previous articleEDITORIAL: Communist China is skilled at suppressing unwelcome facts about COVID-19 pandemic
Next articleFury vs Wilder set to be postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak
Top Russian lawmakers slam ‘excesses’ of Putin’s war mobilization
Blinken: US has told Russia to ‘stop the loose talk’ on nuclear weapons
Zelensky reports ‘positive results in several directions’ in war with Russia
Biden administration eases sanctions to boost Iranian people’s internet access
Streisand praises Ukraine’s ‘courage’ in Zelensky call, raises money for aid
Poland concerts canceled for Pink Floyd’s Waters after blowback to Russia war comments
Taylor Swift Accepts Songwriter-Artist of the Decade Honor at Nashville Songwriter Awards: Read Her Full Speech
Cowboys vs. Giants live score, updates, highlights from NFL ‘Monday Night Football’ game
Defense Minister Says It Would Be ‘Difficult’ to Exempt BTS From Mandatory Military Service
Biden administration eases sanctions to boost Iranian people’s internet access
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.