Emery wrote on Sat, 12 Jan 2008 11:22:56 +0100:

ED> Belgian customs authorities destroyed over 3000 bottles of
ED> "counterfeit champagne" from CA, labeled "California
ED> Champagne." "Of course there is no such thing," explained
ED> the customs official I saw interviewed.

ED> The wine from Gallo brand André was destroyed at the cost
ED> and with agreement of the (un-named in the reportage)
ED> owner.

Andre is not a "Champagne Process" wine (fermented in the
bottle) but a cheaper Charmat process (tank fermented) wine.
However, finding the pompous indignation of the French a bit
irritating, I think I am going to continue to use and drink
bottle-fermented "California Champagne", especially given the
extension of the Champagne district boundaries (did they or did
they not reach Algeria?)


James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

E-mail, with obvious alterations:
not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not