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last mo.

Reims Court Sentences Winemaker to Four Years for Fake Champagne Scheme

The case centered on Spanish or Ardèche wine adulterated with CO2 plus liqueur plus flavoring, marketed under protected Champagne labeling.

Winzer aus Frankreich wegen gepanschtem Champagner zu vier Jahren Haft verurteilt.
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Er hatte spanischen Wein mit Kohlensäure und Aroma versetzt und als Champagner verkauft: Ein 56 Jahre alter Winzer wurde am Dienstag in Reims zu vier Jahren Haft, davon zweieinhalb auf Bewährung, und mehreren Millionen Euro Schadensersatz verurteilt.

Overview

  • A 56-year-old producer was convicted in Reims and given four years in prison, with two and a half years suspended, plus damages in the millions of euros.
  • His wife received a two-year suspended sentence, and both were barred from managing companies and from Champagne-related activity for five years.
  • The operation sold adulterated sparkling wine in 2022–2023 under the name 'Champagne Didier Chopin' and about 100 other brands in France and abroad.
  • The liquid passed off as Champagne was wine sourced outside the appellation that was dosed with carbon dioxide, liqueur and flavoring.
  • He acknowledged selling 500,000–600,000 bottles as prosecutors alleged at least 800,000, with the exact tally unclear due to fraudulent bookkeeping; a former employee alleged up to 1.5 million.