Ask the Collective

What are the regulatory rules around using "Champagne" and other protected geographical indication terms for sparkling wine produced outside the designated regions?

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) rules strictly limit use of regional names like "Champagne" to wine produced in that specific area—it cannot legally be made in the USA, Scotland, or elsewhere and called Champagne. However, there are grandfathered exemptions and ongoing trade complexities: - **Korbel** — US producer with a documented exemption allowing use of "Champagne" on its labels, granted as part of historical trade agreements - **California Champagne** — US sparkling wines must be labelled "California Champagne" rather than simply "Champagne" under the EU–US trade deal - **Chandon** — LVMH's sparkling wine brand positioned as an alternative to Champagne in regions like Napa Valley - Russia and other non-EU countries have been known to use "Champagne" and "Cognac" for their own products despite lacking PDO protection, though these lack legal standing in most Western markets Members noted that enforcement of these rules is inconsistent globally and often tied to wider trade negotiations rather than strict legal principle. The exemptions (like Korbel's and California Champagne labelling) were typically grandfathered in when bilateral or multilateral trade agreements were finalised, rather than newly granted. For UK producers, the practical rule is that PDO-protected terms cannot be used unless your product is made in the protected region.