WINE NEWS /
Friuli seeks extension for Tocai appellation
Friuli's legal battle to retain the appellation Tocai
has been infused with new hope: following the European Union's concession
to Australian winemakers that they will be allowed to use the name
for another ten years, the Italian Minister of Agricultural Policy
has formally requested that Friuli's deadline (March 2007) be extended
for an equivalent period. In previous trademark litigation, the European
Court of Justice had ruled that only Hungary was allowed to use the
appellation Tokaj or Tokay (a botrytized wine made from Furmint, Hárslevelü,
Yellow Muscat, or Zéta grapes). According to the ruling, Friulan
producers will be required to label their "Tocai" as "Bianco
friulano" beginning in 2007. "We are concentrating our efforts
on a realistic objective," said President of the Gruppo PPE (European
Popular Party) and head of the Italian delegation to the EU Regional
Commission, Isidoro Gottardo. "Australia did the same and we
are wise to do so. Ten years would allow us to make up for the enormous
delay [we will have in promoting awareness] of a new logo. Moreover,
as Europe continues to expand in coming years, it is possible that
political pressure will help us to take advantage of regulatory changes."
Related Wines and Links: Bastianich,
Damijan, Gravner,
Jermann, Kante,
La Castellada, Lis
Neris, Meroi, Miani,
Movia, Schiopetto,
Vie di Romans.
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