Wine producers allowed to choose whether they use foil on their bottles of Champagne

ollowing new European regulations, which made the use of foil caps on sparkling wines optional, the Champagne wine marketing board (CIVC) decided to initiate proceedings with the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) on a precautionary basis in a bid to make the use of foil caps mandatory as per the appellation’s production specifications.

“The initiative was designed to protect Champagne’s signature cues whilst we commissioned in-depth research into the role and perception of the foil caps by consumers”, stated the CIVC in a press release issued on August 27.

According to the study’s findings, the foil cap is viewed by consumers as a distinctive sign for Champagne, generally leading them to choose a bottle with a foil cap over a bottle without one, although the lack of a cap does not undermine the preference for Champagne. The CIVC therefore feels that “the research does not show any significant risk, either for the industry’s image or global sales, even if some companies chose to no longer use the foil caps”. Consequently, it has decided to end the proceedings.