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The foil capsules remain mandatory for champagne bottles. This has been confirmed by the National Institute for Origin Designations (INAO). Last summer, there was resistance from winemakers against this "ecologically burdensome and costly" packaging feature. The INAO has now agreed to the request of the Syndicate of Champagne Winemakers (SGV) to include the capsule as a trademark in the specifications of the Champagne appellation.
The background of the dispute was the EU regulation that came into force about a year ago, which allows sparkling wines in the EU to be sold without foil around the bottle neck. A paper band or a wax string is sufficient and incurs lower costs and environmental burdens. However, in December, the umbrella organization SGV, which represents 16,000 winemakers, decided that the capsule should remain mandatory on champagne bottles. This may consist of aluminum, plastic, or paper.
SGV President Maxime Toubart stated that it would be "dangerous to change this trademark of the Champagne appellation." He also emphasized that environmentally friendly capsules made of paper are allowed and that the capsule obligation is not set in stone: "Perhaps market perception will change in a few years. Nothing is immutable."
Along with the obligation for the capsule, two other changes in the specifications of Champagne were decided: the integration of the grape variety Chardonnay Rosé (a mutation of the white Chardonnay) and the prohibition of pre-harvest herbicides in the area between the vine rows.
(al / Source: Vitisphere)