IGP Ile de France is close to an agreement with Champagne. IGP Ile-de-France is a new IGP since 2017. Ile-de-France is the region around Paris and a (very small) part of the vineyards is actually in Paris suburbs. With new plantations in progress, the IGP may soon be around 70 hectares. But the new IGP have a powerful neighbour in the East to deal with.
Ile-de-France shares a border with Champagne. Le Comité Champagne (CIVC) watches very closely what happens outside its borders. It does not want to have any wine production too close. Discussions between Champagne and IGP Ile-de-France have been ongoing for some time. They have now agreed to have a buffer zone around the Champagne appellation where IGP Ile de France cannot produce any wine.
In addition, Ile de France is willing to refrain from planting Chardonnay in some municipalities, also a demand from Champagne. This is really David against Goliat. 70 hectares against 34,000 hectares. How can Champagne even feel threatened? It is only the latest example in a long series of how Champagne uses (abuses?) its might and power to restrain other appellations.
Read more: vitisphere.com
Come on the wine tour to Champagne this autumn and taste the Goliath bubbly on site.
