The printed labels for sparkling wine in Australia will have to be changed as of this month, as a new law means the beverage can no longer be called 'champagne'.

A trade agreement has been signed between the country and the Comite Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) that is aimed at protecting winemakers around the world.

The CIVC had been unhappy that other countries had taken the name of France's Champagne region to label their own products and want it to be clearer for consumers so they can tell exactly where their drink is coming from.

Russia, the US and Vietnam were also criticised for putting misleading advice on their peelable labels.

"When it comes to wine, there is no ingredient more important than location," the CIVC commented.

In July, a debate erupted over what name could be put on to the printed labels of wine produced in the UK that would make it instantly recognisable to connoisseurs, with experts saying 'sparkling wine' is insufficient.
 

Denny Bros Ltd , 1 September 2011