US tighten imports of French Pinot Noir

US authorities have introduced new restrictions on imports of Pinot Noir from the Languedoc following the scandal of the fake Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir in February.

The new restrictions mean that importers will have to secure a declaration from the French government stating that the wine has been produced in accordance with appellation rules and French law.

Regulatory body the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), part of the US Treasury, has circulated the new rules to wineries, bottlers, importers and wholesalers across the US.

Similar restriction were put in place against imports of Brunello di Montalcino in June 2008 and were only lifted in March this year.