France relies on new wine labels to compete with overseas

Large wine estates from overseas, which have shaken up the global market for many years, had put the grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay or Merlot on the label all along. By doing so, the supply has changed fundamentally. In France, indicating the area of origin, such as Burgundy or Languedoc-Roussillon, is most important, which makes it very difficult for wine beginners to orientate themselves, said the association chairman, the French winemaker René Moreno.

According to the French export association Ubifrance, wine exports collapsed in the past year by 19 percent and fell to the level of ten years ago – but this is not likely to be explained by the economic crisis. Practically in all consumer countries - except China - and especially in Britain, the demand for French wine declined. (aw.yoopress / translator e.meissner)