Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand has soared in popularity
Posted on 01/08/2010 5:46:04 PM PST by bruinbirdman
With a pedigree dating back thousands of years, the vineyards of France have long regarded themselves as the toast of the wine world.
But in a humiliating blow to Gallic pride, winemakers have been accused of trying to pass off their bottles as New Zealand produce to cash in on the popularity of brands from down under.
Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand has soared in popularity
A tribunal in Australia has ruled Loire Valley-based firm Lacheteau labelled its sauvignon blanc Kiwi Cuvee in a nod to the quirkily-named New Zealand and Australian white wines.
The wine is currently sold in British and European supermarkets, but when the company attempted to register the brand in Australia, New Zealand winemakers cried foul.
The New Zealand Winegrowers Association opposed the registration and a trade marks hearing decided the name was likely to deceive and confuse consumers. The ruling said customers could misunderstand the wine's name "on wine lists in restaurants and bars".
France is renowned for fiercely protecting the right of its winemakers to use regional names and geographic indicators on bottles. Producers of champagne fiercely pursue foreign sparkling white winemakers who use its hallowed name.
France also defends its regional specialities through its Appellation d'origine controllee, or AOC system, which protects more than 300 wines, including bordeaux and chablis, as well as 161 French foods.
The French wine industry has been hit by falling domestic consumption and stiff competition from the New World. Australian wine has overtaken French fare as Britain's favourite tipple.
Part of the success of wines from the "New World" has been attributed to their catchy names and emblems, often using animals and birds, known as "critter labelling".
Jeffrey Davies, a Bordeaux wine expert, said that there was a "nasty irony" about a French
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Is it even possible these ignorant eurotrash do not know--the french vinyards were wiped out by fungus back in the nineteenth century, and were all replaced by stock from (gasp) America! California! Yes it's true. French wine comes from American- bred vines.
Lamh Foistenach Abu!
I like wines from Argentina and Chile also.
Lamh Foistenach Abu!
Got that right. Even when I was still in British Columbia, I have always heard of great things about Oregon and it’s Pinot Noir line. Winter’s Hill comes to mind..
And New York has some very good wines from the Finger Lakes region.
Sort of, but not exactly. That fungus was caused by American vines in the first place. Pierre Marie Alexis Millarde figured that out and grafted French vines onto American fungus-resistant root stock. So the grapes were the same. The only pure French grapes and roots were transplnted to Chile before the fungus hit, they are still around today.
thank you... Bullhill has both red and white Bullyhill wines
Shalestone is a Red winery Shalestone winery
I won't buy California wines because I won't risk putting money in Pelosi's grubby little paws. I like Australian wines, particularly Alice White and Yellow Tail.
I am partial to the Malbec's from So. America...and the Priorat's from Spain....
Lamh Foistenach Abu!
Oh, fess up, Aria. You are just a wino! You’ll drink wine from anywhere. ;)
Hey.....I resemble that! I won’t drink wine from 7-11.
LOL
Try almost any Central Otago (New Zealand) Pinot Noir and you’ll never look back...
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