CHAMPAGNE RIOTS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13339, 30 March 1911, Page 5

CHAMPAGNE RIOTS.

Press Association.—Telegraph—Copyright. PARIS, March 29. Renewed rioting is reported among the wine-growers in the Aube district.

Referring to the Government' Bill for the certification and protection of wine from wine grown in the delimited area, the Paris correspondent of the Times stated last month:—The protection of the genuine Champagne wine is rendered easy by reason of the peculiar processes of its manufacture, and likewise by the fact that the industry is conducted onlv in a small number of centres. Since- it is practically impossible to adulterate Champagne wine when once it has been bottled, it is declared to be sufficient to superintend and to isolate the genuine product from the moment that it comes from the vineyard until it is put into- bottles. In order to effect this purpose,-a system of State control is to be instituted for, the transport of the wine from the presses of the growers to the cellars of the manufacturers, and the latter- are to be bound to store all “alien” wines in cellars which are to remain separate and distinct from the Cham-, pagne celars.- A tax of five cents a bottle, payable by the manufacturer, is to be imposed in order to cover the cost of State control. These regulations, a breach of which will be punishable by fines up to .£2OO, are to come into force three months after the promulgation of the law. The fact that “vouchers of origin” are to be issued to the growers and manufacturers itr respect of all wine grown in the Champagne region, and that in future the name “Champagne” is to be used to denote solely sparkling wines grown and manufactured in that region, constitutes a welcome guarantee for the consumer. From the point of view of the distressed winegrowers and labourers the new 'regulations will mean security from outside competition and the certainty of a regular market. What effect the establishment of this monopoly will produce upon prices in the event of a aeries of bad years remains to be" seen.