China recognizes Bordeaux appellations

The Chinese authorities have now agreed to recognize all Bordeaux AOC still wines as geographical indications (GI) in the latest step to battle counterfeits in the country.

From left to right: Stéphane Le Foll, French Minister of Agriculture; Bernard Farges, CIVB President and Sun Dawei, AQSIQ vice minister

The move follows China’s recognition of the general Bordeaux appellation in June 2015 and is a positive step forward in collaboration between the two countries which started talks in 2011.

China is the leading export market for both volume and value for Bordeaux wines, with last year’s figures corresponding to nearly 64 million bottles and €277 million in sales – a quarter of Bordeaux’s exports – according to the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB).

Since 2011, BIVB has been working closely with the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) to step up efforts to protect Bordeaux’s 6,500 wine producers and clamp down on the problem of counterfeits in China.

CIVB’s President, Bernard Farges said: “I hail the strong involvement and in-depth work of the AQSIQ which explored all the details of this complex topic and successfully conducted the administrative procedures leading to this recognition.

“The common views between China and France concerning the importance of the GIs as well as the constant support from the Ministry of Agriculture and the French embassy substantially contributed to the successful outcome of this issue.”

China has hitherto granted only five other protected GIs for wines and spirits which cover Cognac, Champagne, Napa Valley, Scotch whisky and Tequila.