France red in the face over US wine plans

The US wants to sell wine in Europe bearing a ‘château’ or ‘clos’ label. The French are not happy, writes Raf Casert

DRINKING a Bordeaux wine from a “château” is as French as swigging Kentucky bourbon is American.

But now tempers are flaring across the vineyards of France. The US wants to sell some of its wines in the EU with — sacrilege — a “château” or “clos” label. Is that cheating? Misappropriation? Whatever it is, the issue has the Bordelais turning claret with anger.