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EU deals stops the flow of Oz champagne

A new deal has been agreed between the EU and Australia over wine labelling.

Australian winemakers will no longer be able to market their produce as Champagne, Port or Sherry, and other geographically based drink names will be phased out over the next year.

The deal also means that the use of 117 Australian place names will be protected in the EU market, and will also give Australian wine producers easier access to the EU export market.

The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC) say that producers have already begun moving away from calling sparkling wine Champagne.

Labelling that indicates vine variety or colour will still be acceptable under the agreement.

"The agreement provides important safeguards for EU wine interests. It ensures the protection of Geographical Indications and traditional expressions for EU wines in Australia and beyond", said the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos.

Lynsey Barber, London