US wines from bought in grapes could be labelled “château”

A new proposal by the European Commission will allow American wines made from bought in grapes to use the term “château” on their labels if it is given the green light.

French winemakers fear the proposal, to be addressed later this month by the EC’s Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets, would destroy the meaning of the term “château” in regards to unique wines made from a specific site.

Representatives from Bordeaux have denounced the initiative as confusing to French consumers and potentially ruinous to the tradition of château wine production.

“There is a great danger that the notion of the château will disappear in France. The consumer is going to….