French upset over use of the term Chateau

Wine makers across France are getting upset over new EU proposals that would mean US imported wine could be called chateau or clos. Currently in France use of the term chateau is subject to strict controls – it must refer to an AOC wine only coming from grapes that are harvested and vinified on a single estate. In the US there is no regulation and an estate can call itself a chateau even if it is buying in grapes from other growers in different regions. The French feel that if allowed this would be an attack on French heritage and their competitive advantage having used the term for centuries.
A committee of representatives from the Bordeaux region were among the first to denounce the initiative, which they claim would confuse French consumers, and ruin the tradition of chateau wine production.

The decision will be made in Brussels on 25th September.