China recognizes Champagne protected status

Authorities have registered Champagne as an official label in China as thirst grows for the French alcohol, The Wall Street Journal reported. Champagne has protected status, so only sparkling wine grown in the Champagne region of France may use the name. The wine industry has had trouble marketing sparkling wine to Chinese drinkers as only 0.5% of the wine consumed in China is sparkling. Market research shows drinkers in China still prefer wine or spirits such as whiskey, cognac or China’s own baijiu to the bubbly. The status of Champagne is not yet fully recognized in the US.