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PaperclipPerfector  4d ago (text post)   1692 thread views

Friday Fun Thread for April 4, 2025

Be advised: this thread is not for serious in-depth discussion of weighty topics (we have a link for that), this thread is not for anything Culture War related. This thread is for Fun. You got jokes? Share 'em. You got silly questions? Ask 'em.

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That explains why you see both being used side by side.

How helpful is it to have these trademarks for things though? Beyond the benefits that people in the geographical region of champagne

It's so your competitors can't catch a free ride on your product's reputation. E.g. copying your label and slapping it on a can of lighter fluid. Makes you look bad.

This was probably more important pre-Internet and pre-international-shipping.

Wine is really sensitive and dynamic. Different weather in various years can change how different vintages of the same wine taste, as an example.

Terroir is really significant with regards to wine and the restrictions imposed on labeling are still incredibly helpful to consumers as they inform customers about where a wine’s grapes were grown.

The global standard is that a certain percentage of grapes have to be from whatever appellation is listed on the wine. Most countries set that threshold at 85%. In America it’s 75%.

Using U.S. appellations as examples and drilling down to a single vineyard in the Russian River Valley.

American Wine: Grapes come from multiple states with no state accounting for 75%.

California Wine: Grapes come from multiple counties with no county accounting for 75%.

Sonoma County: At least 75% of the grapes come from this county. Vineyards may not be located in a recognized or highly regarded subregion.

Russian River Valley: 75% of grapes come from this noted AVA subregion of Sonoma County that has excellent growing conditions for specific grape varietals.

Single Vineyard: This will be listed in addition to the appellation. Sold as a premium offering among the vintner’s product range. 100% of grapes will come from a single vineyard within the producer’s estate to maximize the expression of particular soil and climate conditions.

I think people are most commonly aware of the restrictions around what can be called Champagne, and a meme exists around it. But it isn’t snobbishness. Crémant is French white sparkling wine made in the same method, and the same restrictions apply. If you’re making Crémant du Jura, Crémant d’Alsace, Crémant du Bourgogne, etc. then your grapes need to come from the applicable region.

They don’t make too much else in Champagne other than sparkling white wine, so there isn’t really the same need for a Crémant designation. Whereas the regions that use the Crémant designation also make many more flat wines.

I dislike it. Sparkling wine and agave based beverages shouldn't have to resort to wierd names despite being better, cheaper and widely available in many cases.

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