Loire winemaker in court over AOC breach

A biodynamic winemaker is facing a fine of €5,000 for allegedly wrongly linking 2,800 bottles of his vin de table wine to an Appellation of Origin (AOC).

Loire winemaker Oliver Cousin appeared in court earlier this month over claims he wrongly included a mention of the AOC “Anjou Per Breton” on a number of his Cabernet France vin de table wine labels (now vin de France), according to a report on the French new site, ouest-france.fr.

As he opted out of the AOC system in 2005, The Federation of Winemakers Anjou and Saumur pressed charges demanding € 5,000 in damages.

Those outside of the AOC are not permitted to use the Anjou name on bottles and the controlling body claim the winemaker has profited off the efforts of those still signed up to the AOC.

The winemaker amended his labels in 2011 following the first complaints and deny’s the allegations. In court, Cousin’s lawyer, Eric Morain, accused the Federation Viticole d’Anjou-Saumur of ‘stealing’ the world Anjou.

Around 200 people gathered outside of the court to show their support for Cousins.

A ruling is expected on 4 June.

Last month the trial of a Burgundian producer who has refused to spray his vines against flavescence doréebecause because he practices biodynamics began.

A judgement is expected on 7 April.