Research confirms Prosecco is a grape variety

Research from Monash University and Macquarie University has confirmed that Prosecco is the name of a grape variety. The report is the culmination of five years of research conducted by Professor of Law Mark Davison and the team at the Faculty of Law at Monash University and the Macquarie Law School, Macquarie University, in response to the European Union’s attempts to limit the use of the term ‘Prosecco’.

Backed by evidence dating as far back as the 1700s, the report demonstrates extensive historical proof that Prosecco is a grape variety and has been broadly accepted as such, including evidence from the Italian wine industry and the European Union. It also highlights the lack of evidence to justify the Italian Government and the EU changing the name of the Prosecco grape variety to ‘Glera’ in the EU in 2009.

“The evidence speaks for itself. Prosecco has been recognised as the name of a grape for centuries, but not as a geographical indication (GI). Protecting the term as a geographical indication is a cynical attempt to avoid competition from Australian wine producers,” Davison said.

Lee McLean, CEO of Australian Grape & Wine, said, “With the Australian Government undertaking a public objections process on EU GIs, including Prosecco, this report confirms the importance of making sure the government receives as many submissions into this process as possible.

“The risks of banning the ability of our industry to use well-established grape variety names are significant and have the potential to cause widespread damage to our sector and the regional communities it underpins.”

Australian Prosecco has grown to over $200 million in value, with some regions, such as Victoria’s King Valley, investing millions in vineyards, production facilities and associated tourism infrastructure. The variety is grown in 20 regions across Australia and currently fetches the second-highest average grape price of any white grape variety.

Losing the right to Prosecco could be devastating to these regions and communities, especially considering the significant economic pressure the sector is under. It could also leave Australian grape and wine businesses wondering which grape varieties will be targeted next by the EU.

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