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French winemaker Didier Chopin has admitted in court to forging at least 600,000 bottles of Champagne. He is charged in Reims with fraud, abuse of a designation of origin, and misuse of corporate assets. However, with his confession, he downplays the allegations of the prosecution. They estimate that he forged and sold at least 800,000 bottles of Champagne. If convicted, Chopin faces up to five years in prison and a fine of 375,000 euros.
According to the magazine La Revue du Vin de France along with the AFP agency, Chopin is said to have produced fake Champagne between June 2022 and May 2023. He used white wine from Spain and the Ardèche region in southeastern France, to which he added flavors, liqueur, and carbon dioxide. The fraud came to light after the manager of a winery operated by Chopin in the Aisne department found corks and capsules labeled "Champagne." In this department, the production of sparkling wine under the name Champagne is prohibited. The employee then informed the authorities, and the newspaper L’Union uncovered the case.
As a reason for the Champagne forgery, Chopin stated in court that he had committed to supplying large supermarket chains at a certain price. However, due to his own production and purchasing costs, he could no longer maintain that price. The conditions were known to his buyers, Chopin explained on the witness stand: "Everyone knew, everyone was involved, everyone had high incomes, and everyone benefited."
The French Institute for Origin Protection and Quality (INAO), the Champagne trade association (CIVC), the regional trade union federation (CGT), as well as two beverage wholesalers and the regional purchasing center of a supermarket chain are acting as co-plaintiffs in the trial. A verdict is expected in June.
(cs)
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