No more Aussie Champagne

Rules forbidding Australian wine producers from using European names such as Champagne, Prosecco, Port and Sherry came into effect on the 1st September 2010. The agreement was signed two years ago but wholesalers will still have five years to sell any stock labelled with European GIs (Geographical Indications) and retailers will be allowed to sell all their stock. Australian producers will be prevented from using traditional expressions such as, “Amontillado”, “Claret”, and “Auslese” from 1 September 2011.