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WINE NEWS /
Friuli's gloves come off in Tocai trademark litigation
In a bold but not entirely unexpected move, Noè
Bertolin, President of Fedagri Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Federation of
Friulian Food Growers), has announced that members of the Friulian
Cellars Cooperative will continue to use the appellation Tocai even
after the July 31, 2007 deadline ordered by the European Court of
Justice ruling. On May 12, 2005, the European Court of Justice ruled
that Italy would not be allowed to use the appellation Tocai and that
only Hungary would be permitted to use the appellation Tokaj or Tokay
(for the botrytized wine made from Furmint, Hárslevelü,
Yellow Muscat, or Zéta grapes). The announcement came after
Bertolin met with Italian Minister of Agricultural Policy Gianni Alemanno
in Rome last month.
"The cooperative," said Bertolin in a prepared
statement, "is the only body that supports the Region [of Friuli]
in its legal battle to protect the name 'Tocai friulano'... in the
European arena." Bertolin also revealed to reporters that Hungary
seems willing to enter into negotiations. Furthermore, he expressed
his hope that Italy would be granted a delay
of the deadline. Such a concession by the court, he said, however,
"should in no way be interpreted as our surrender." Australia,
where winemakers also produce a wine called Tocai, recently requested
and was granted a delay by the court.
Related Wines and Links: Bastianich,
Damijan, Gravner,
Jermann, Kante,
La Castellada, Lis
Neris, Meroi, Miani,
Movia, Schiopetto,
Vie di Romans.
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