PGI application to protect 'British' versus imported grapes

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 24 January, 2017

The chair of the UKVA has hit back at claims that the purpose of a new PGI application was to coin a popular name for English sparkling wine, but rather to prevent grapes grown outside the UK from being called 'British'.

The chair of the UKVA has hit back at claims that the purpose of a new PGI apllication was to coin a popular name for English sparkling wine, but rather to prevent grapes grown outside the UK from being called 'British'.

Last week it was reported that the UK Vineyards Association (UKVA) had applied to designate the term 'British Fizz' as a Protected Geographical Indication, which would protect use of the term in 28 countries.

However, chair of the UKVA, Sam Lindo, has clarified that application is intended to make sure the term 'British' refers to wine made from non-imported grapes and high quality wine made using the traditional method.

"Britain, like Champagne, is a region so it's about geography," Lindo told Harpers. "We've been [making wine] in England for 50 years - it's time we made sure that those using the word 'British' are actually using grapes grown on British soil. Grapes being grown in Britain and the tradition method - that's what we've built our reputation on."

As part of the trademark application process, the UKVA was required to provide examples of how the term 'British' might be used to designate English sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the UK.

One of these was the term 'British Fizz'.

However, Lindo denies that the purpose of the application was to trademark all English sparkling wine as 'English Fizz', but rather to protect where the grapes are grown and how the wine is made.

He added: "When you apply to protect something, you use examples of the kinds of things it will infringe. English, GB or British Fizz were named in advance to make sure that we know that's short hand for 'British'.

"Most people in US don't know what Britain is. If you ask them, they couldn't tell you where England, Scotland and Wales are. Customers will always come up with their own name. In America, 'English' or 'British' is all the same to them. Lots of Americans call it 'British Champagne'. They can call it what they want as long as we can protect what were producing. Otherwise, why bother to grow grapes in England which is more difficult when you can grow it in France and call it British?"

While the application is designed to protect English sparkling wine, Lindo hinted that in the future there could be a possibility that the UKVA could apply to change the parameters of the use of the term 'English wine', which has traditionally been used to refer to still wine which has been made in the UK but with imported grapes.

Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex was one of the wines listed in a New York restaurant as 'British Fizz', which originally gave Lindo the idea to apply for the PGI.

Sam Linter , MD and head winemaker at Bolney, remarked: "With English sparkling wine brands enjoying huge success both here and increasingly on the international stage, there is always a risk that their achievements are damaged by those wishing to cash in on this success.

"So it is important that our wine producers stop that threat and protect the recognisable and marketable terms for their wines that they wish to use.

"Applying to use the term 'British' in the context of its sparkling wine will ensure that 'British sparkling wine' can only be made from British grown grapes and in the highest quality, which will stop any advance of manufacturers of sparkling wine made from non-British-grown grapes, or imported concentrate to label British Sparkling Wine - PGI overrules trademarks in some 28 countries.

"Additionally, the reference 'British' is widely used and recognised in many countries - this allows producers to market their wines in this way, including US where English wine producers are enjoying a surge in sales."

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