Some wine regions and even individual wine producers are incredibly keen, sometimes excessively so, to protect their names and brands. Champagne is the undisputed world champion in this sport.
The most recent discussion in this topic is between Italy and Australia. The conflict is about whether the Australians should be able or not to put the grape name Nero d’Avola on the label.
The grape originates from Sicily and came to Australia just over ten years ago. It is a well-known fact that grape varieties spread across the world to the point that e.g. many French grapes are no longer called French but international.
It’s hard to agree with Italy.
So, how can Italians argue that they should prevent others from using an Italian grape and putting the name on the label? Does it make sense?
For example, it has become popular to put Zinfandel (an American grape name) on the label of wines made in southern Italy from the grape Primitivo (the Italian grape name), so the Italians are taking a US grape name and using it for Italian wine.
Where’s the logic?
Read more about the Nero d’Avola discussion between Italy and Australia here: meininger.de
