Generic

English name (also called generic wine) for a type of wine which, unlike a varietal, usually contains a place or region name. Especially in the USA and Australia, this was abused excessively in the past, when wines were unhesitatingly called Chablis, Champagne, Chianti, Burgundy(Burgundy), Madeira, Port, Rhine(Rhine), Sauterne(Sauternes), Sherry and Tokay(Tokay), although they had nothing to do with the origin or grape varieties of the originals. In California, the term Proprietary Blend is also common for this. A semi-generic designation is understood to mean the use of a geographical name from a foreign country if it is accompanied by the true geographical origin. One of the examples is "Napa Valley Champagne". Before the American prohibition (1920-1933), châteaux names were even used without scruples.

However, wines from third countries may only be imported into the EU if they do not misuse a geographical term. Wines marketed within the USA and also in other countries are still referred to with these misleading names, for example by the wine multinational Gallo. The trade agreement between the European Union and the USA, which was mutually signed in 2005, has not changed this situation, as it even expressly permits the use of such names for already established trademarks (see also Wine Act). Even the simplest sparkling wine in terms of quality is still called Champagne overseas.

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Generic

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