We all know how it goes: Champagne is Champagne because Champagne is made in Champagne, which makes it Champagne. Pretty simple, right? Well, due to a recent announcement in Russia, that’s not the case anymore. We have a feeling the notoriously specific French wine authorities aren’t going to be happy about this.
The big man, Putin himself, has signed legislation stating that imported Champagne not made in Russia can no longer label itself as Champagne (though it can tell you where it was made on the back label). Instead, only sparkling wines made in Russia have the privilege of being named Shampanskoye (Russian for Champagne).
However, wine enthusiasts and sommeliers in Russia aren’t in such a rush to change things around. According to The Guardian, sommeliers such as Elena Lebedeva, the head sommelier for a group of very popular Russian bars, aren’t going to be changing the menus. “If we are selling namely [French] champagne, it’s going to remain in the champagne section”, said Lebedeva.
Russia imports a staggering 50 million liters of sparkling wine each year, 13% of which is French Champagne. Russian sparkling wine is not nearly as popular, with some bottles being sold for the equivalent of £2.70 in stores. With this new law in place, it’s likely that French Champagne houses will either significantly reduce or even halt their exports to Russia - leaving Russia not able to meet the needs of their mega-rich. Moët’s Moscow office has already declared that they will be refusing to export their Champagne to Russia if a solution cannot be found, clearly hesitant to have to overhaul the branding of their exports to Russia.
We’re quite curious as to which appellation Putin is thinking of claiming in the near future. Perhaps he’ll fancy some Roquefort, a Cornish Pasty, a Melton Mowbray pork pie… Who knows? Watch this space!
Want to read more drinks news? How about checking out Cocktails for Dogs… yep, they’re a thing! Or maybe funky drinks such as this Dill Pickle Hard Seltzer is more up your street?!