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An initiative is forming in Champagne to challenge the mandatory use of foil caps on bottles. The group "Ça décoiffe en Champagne" has launched an online petition to protest against the obligatory cap. It has been joined by the "Association des champagnes biologiques" (ACB) with 170 members and independent Champagne winemakers with about 400 members.
The background of the dispute is the EU regulation that came into force about a year ago, which states that sparkling wines in the EU can be sold without a foil around the bottle neck. A paper band or wax string is considered sufficient and incurs lower costs and environmental impacts. However, in December, the umbrella organization "Syndicat Général des Vignerons de Champagne" (SGV), representing 16,000 winemakers, decided that the cap should remain mandatory for Champagne bottles. This can be made of aluminum, plastic, or paper.
At that time, the president of the association, Maxime Toubart, stated that the cap is an important distinguishing feature for Champagne. Clotilde Chauvet, a member of the SGV board, echoes this sentiment: "We have initiated studies to examine whether it would make sense to do without it. It turned out that it is associated with prestige, hygiene, and the authenticity of the bottles. It remains part of the identity of Champagne."
Winemaker Olivier Horiot adds: "It is a code, certainly, but one that has been adopted by all sparkling wines in the world." He also accuses the SGV of a conflict of interest, as the association sells foils to its members. The decision on whether to enshrine the obligation for the cap in the specifications of the Champagne appellation must be made by the Institut National d'Origine et Qualité (INAO).
(al / Source: larvf)