The RAE defines the champagne as "Wine sparkling white or pink, originating in France ». However, in Russia there has recently been a change in the labeling of this drink. He has been the president of the eastern country, Vladimir Putin, who has decided to give a twist to the way of understanding champagne in his country. All of this, of course, is not without controversy and criticism from those who understand this sparkling wine. Do you want to discover what has happened around the russian champagne? Keep reading!
Champagne, the only champagne in Russia
In short, Putin has signed a new law that states that only that champagne they can be cataloged - and labeled - as champagne in Russia. This drink was created in Soviet times in order to democratize luxury, very popular, especially for its affordability. In this way, all those bubbly foreigners -among which are, of course, those from Champagne-, will be classified in the Russian country as "Sparkling wines".
In other words, anything other than the aforementioned drink will not be recognized as champagne in Russia. This decision, which has meant a modification in the law on alcoholic beverages, has caused real outrage and, indeed, a lot of confusion in the champagne industry. It is an industry with great respect for raw materials. Thus, the decree that says that only champagne they will be champagne and the rest will be considered "sparkling wines", he has sat as a lack of respect.
Champagne lovers don't settle for Russian champagne
Some advocates have gone further and claimed that the unique and true champagne comes from champagne. It is the production of this French region that has controlled designation of origin and the one made with grape varieties such as chardonnay, pinot noir o meunier, among other. And in the face of drastic measures, drastic solutions. The French industry association already requested the producers that is not traded with Russia for the moment.
In fact, according to El País, the co-presidents of the Champagne Committee, Maxime Toubart and Jean-Marie Barillere, have spoken in a statement. "The Champagne Committee regrets that this legislation does not guarantee that Russian consumers have clear and transparent information about the origins and characteristics of the wine," they explained in it. Moreover, they recalled that the term "champagne" is a protected term in More than 120 countries Around the globe
Adapt to the circumstances
However, this coin, like all, has two sides. There are those who will not be satisfied with this new law, and there are those who have decided to abide by it; not satisfied with the decision, but abiding by it at the end of the day. Among the most talked about entities is Moët Hennessy -Responsible for renowned firms such as Dom Perignon, Moët Chandon or Veuve Clicquot-.
The popular brand communicated, according to El País, "that the new standard could force not only to change the labeling, but also to certify the wines again." However, according to its marketing policy, “Moët Hennessy champagne houses have always respected the law in force wherever they operate«. In this way, although not fully compliant, they will maintain relations with the Eurasian country.
Russian champagne takes off
Putin's decisions, just as they have negatively affected part of the industry, they have also positively affected the other part. And there are some businessmen close to the aforementioned president who have benefited from the president's actions. It is worth mentioning Boris Titov -Chairman of the commission for the defense of businessmen's rights-, whose family owns the Abrau-Dyurso sparkling wine plant, whose shares have increased.
Of course, the general director of Abrau Dyurso He spoke to Radio France International, according to El País, and clarified that although "It is very important to protect Russian wines in our market", it must be borne in mind that "the legislation must be reasonable and not contradict common sense." In other words, he made it clear that despite the new legislation on Russian champagne, "real champagne is made in the Champagne region of France."
