According to France’s agriculture minister, only France produces genuine champagne.
French Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie said Tuesday that the term ‘champagne’ could be used on sparkling wines from France’s namesake region, despite attempts by other countries to claim the designation.
Denormandie was reacting after Russia approved a regulation on Friday requiring foreign manufacturers of sparkling wine to label their bottles as such on the back – but not on the front – while Russian producers of “shampanskoye” may continue to use the name alone.
“You can imagine the reaction of the French authorities,” Denormandie told Sud Radio.
“The word Champagne comes from that beautiful region of France where champagne is produced,” he continued.
