The Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) has asked the European Commission to insist that the US end the use of semi-generic identifiers such as Champagne, Château and Chablis.
The request by the European wine industry body comes ahead of talks between the EU and the US in Washington on May 19.
The meetings on a new free trade agreement will go on for a number of days.
The term ‘Château’ belongs to Bordeaux, said Alain Mouiex of Château Fonroque.
"If the Americans want to develop their own wines, they can do better than draw on our heritage,” he stated on French television.
The EU wine sector should not settle for a conservative approach, but adopt an offensive position, in order to maintain market shares and commercial outlets, said CEEV president Jean-Marie Barillère.
He emphasised the need to look forward with regards to the issue.
© 2014 - European Supermarket Magazine
