I am also perfectly happy to see the phrase “Methode Champenoise” discontinued in this country as it has been for some years now for sparkling wine made outside of Champagne. The funny thing, of course, is that long after it was banned in Europe, some of the European-owned houses continued to use it here. The Domaine Chandon website describes their bubblies as having been made by the “Champagne Method” and aged “sur lees”, a bastardization of “sur lie” that sur-ly embarrasses people in both languages.

This is a deal that should never have come into being in the first place.

Am I the only one that finds this ridiculous? Do European producers really think they will sell more wine becuase other producers will not be allowed to use the words “sur lie” (which has no geographical connotation whatsoever)? And let’s face it, it is all about selling wine and protectionism. An interesting thought… maybe in return they will sign an agreement that they will not use the word “Jeans” unless the garment was produced in the US… or how about striking out the word “Hamburger” from every menu on the European continent, not to mention the word “weekend” which is used by French people on a regular basis. What about “Rock and Roll” or “Jazz”… surely they are American terms. Wake up Europe, it is a global market and you will have to compete on quality and price like everyone else (great lessons from the US car industry if anyone is interested…).