If you are looking for a good NZ wine, especially in Europe, then be very careful in your choice and reject ANYTHING with the name "kiwi" on it.
Why?
For the simple reason that it is probably French.
Huh? Run that past me again? French?
OK so cast your mind back a few years. Remember the French making the name "champagne" a registered brand, and limiting its use to wines only from the Champagne region?
Read this -
A French winemaker's threat of legal action against a Nelson vineyard for using the word kiwi in its branding has sparked a warning to other exporters not to take the rights to their national symbol for granted.
Kahurangi Estate owner Greg Day said he would no longer be able to sell his "Kiwi White" label in Sweden or anywhere else in Europe for fear of being sued.
"We can't use something that is an icon and only associated with a New Zealand bird in Europe because some French company has registered the name," he said.
LaCheteau has registered the brand name, Kiwi Cuvee, in Europe, effectively prohibiting its use elsewhere..
Now that, in all honesty, is exactly the situation that the French prevented with their champagne ban.
So, buyer beware. If you buy a French "Kiwi Cuvee", I hope it burns your throat. And while you are recovering just remember where it came from - NOT New Zealand.
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