For several months, a conflict has been taking place between Russia and France concerning the “Champagne” appellation. In response to this conflict, France had stopped its champagne exports to Russia, but these will finally resume on Wednesday 15 September for economic reasons. Could this be the end of the Franco-Russian battle ?
Last July, according to a new Russian law, only sparkling wines from Russia could use the name “champagne”. In response to this law, the LVMH group suspended deliveries to make the necessary adjustments.
This law, signed by President Vladimir Putin, obliges all non-Russian producers of sparkling wine, including the French, to describe their product as the Russian president wishes, i.e. by adding “Vin mousseux” and not champagne on the back of the bottle.
This Wednesday 15 September, Champagne producers will resume exports to Russia. But French champagne will still not be able to bear the name “Champagne” in Russia. Xavier Millard, president of a cooperative located in Mailly-Champagne, says he is relieved: “It’s a relatively important market because it represents a small percentage of our sales (…) on the other hand, it’s a market where we sell good vintages.”
The Russian sparkling wine will thus be able to benefit from the appellation “Champagne”, while the French sparkling wine will be called “vin mousseux”.
Read also > MOËT HENNESSY TO ADD “SPARKLING WINE” LABEL TO CHAMPAGNE FOR RUSSIA
Featured photo : © Moët et Chandon
