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FRENCH SEEK TO PROTECT ‘CHAMPAGNE’ CLASSIFICATION

A ‘blitz’ ad campaign to remind consumers and US lawmakers that “Champagne only comes from Champagne, France” will be making its way to selected markets and national publications over the next several weeks. Dubbed “Unmask the Truth” the campaign demands lawmakers protect wine place names on wines sold in the United States. At the same time the hope is consumers realize that 50% of sparkling wine in the US is mislabeled as champagne.

Wine World Remembers Robert Mondavi (1916-2008)

When Robert Mondavi built the first major Napa Valley winery since Prohibition in 1966, he was determined to show the world that California Wines, especially those from his Napa Vineyards, could compete with wines from around the world. At that time, California was still primarily known for its bulk packaged, price slashed jug wines, but he was this country’s true pioneer of the wine industry and he adopted revolutionary winemaking techniques and introduced the industry to a bold approach to marketing.

He was the industry’s most enthusiastic ambassador for California wine, and he devoted his life and still traveled after the age of 90 to endorse wine’s health, cultural and social benefits. True to his Italian immigrant roots, his company became the focal point in a portrait of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Robert Mondavi always believed that his wines belonged on every table even if the seasoned olive oil and sliced tomatoes shared space on the table with foie gras. Until his Death on May 16, 2008 Robert Mondavi promoted the moderate consumption of wine and its accompaniment to dining.