Brussels, 24/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 24 September, France reiterated its opposition to the European Commission's proposal to allow the United States to use the word “château”- and “clos” (= walled vineyard) -for the wines it exports to the European market. It is concerned that the American wines which use the reference “château” would compete with French wines. The management committee which meets this Tuesday 25 September may discuss (and possibly vote on) a change of this kind to the rules on wine labelling. Unfortunately for it, France is alone on this dossier, amongst other reasons because it is the only country of the EU to use the reference “château”.
“On the question of the appellation 'château' for American wines, my position has always been to refuse to give an inch on the subject”, said Stephane Le Foll, French Agriculture Minister. “Afterwards, at European level, we will have to see how to move things forward”, he also acknowledged.
In the framework of the agreement on the sale of wine signed in March 2006 by the EU and the US, a protocol on labelling authorised the use of the traditional references “château”, “clos” and “sur lie” for three years, until March 2009, for American wines exported to the Community market, with a tacit renewal for a period of two years, unless notice is given on the European side. The EU has given this notice, but in the meantime, the labelling rules of the common market organisation for wine have opened up the option for third countries and their professional organisations to use these terms.
In 2010, the national association Wine America requested the registration of the reference to “château”. In July of this year, the Commission put forward a proposal for this to the management committee as part of the consultation process. This Tuesday, it will present a proposal authorising the use of this term for American wines exported to the EU. It will be possible to use the term “château”, even if the company in question buys its grapes from a third company, as long as this supply is carried out in the framework of a 3 to 5-year contract. In Europe, “château” denotes a registered designation of origin coming 100% from grapes grown and processed on the property. (LC/transl.fl)