|
|
A sorbet containing champagne may bear the name "champagne sorbet". This has been established by the European Court of Justice in a case that has been going on for many years. In the proceedings, the CIVC (Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne) association sued the German discount store Aldi.
The lawsuit was intended to clarify the legal use of the long protected name "Champagne". The reason for the lawsuit was a champagne sorbet sold by Aldi Süd, which contained twelve percent champagne. The CIVC sued on the grounds that Aldi had wrongly used the exclusive image of Champagne. This violated European law.
The European Court of Justice did not uphold the complaint, but referred it to the Federal Supreme Court (BGH). The BGH must now review the evidence submitted by the CIVC. According to the European Court of Justice, the "quantity of champagne contained in the sorbet is an important, but not sufficient criterion". As an "essential characteristic, the product must offer a taste mainly caused by champagne". It is not yet clear when the proceedings before the BGH will be opened.
(uka / Photo: German Wine Institute)