OREANDA-NEWS.  July 04, 2012. This is stipulated by the agreement on protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs signed between Moldova and EU last week, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vasile Bumacov stated.

The document ensures that only products genuinely originating in that region are allowed to be identified as such in commerce. According to Vasile Bumacov, EU granted Moldova a 5-year-long transition period. During this period the country is authorized to export beverages named Champagne, Cognac and Cahors, taking into account that the bulk of Moldovan alcohols are exported to CIS and both: importers and consumers need time to get accustomed to new names of beverages to be identified and launched at one at the same time with the old ones. ithin 5 years Moldova has to take measure to bring Moldovan production, including alcohols, into compliance with EU requirements and standards of production and labeling.

New names of sparkling wines (Champagne), cognac and cahors will be invented by winemakers themselves and the ministry do not want to impose any decisions on them , the Agriculture Minister said. In future Moldova is supposed to export abroad Spumant instead of Champagne and Divin instead of Cognac. Cahors may be substituted by wines named Pastoral or Domnesc. In the framework of the agreement Moldova will ensure protection for over 3,2 thou. geographical European indications of agricultural products, wines and alcohol beverages known as Protected Geographical Indications (PGI).

The Geographical Indication is a sign used to recognize goods of special geographic origin and bearing qualities and reputation typical for this place. According to the international convention on the names on the place of origin forbids giving historical names after places of origin to beverages made on other territories. In line with international norms alternative names are given to such products in Moldova. For example, Sherry is called Ialoveni, Port is named Prometeu, Madeira is given a name Luciafar, Pastoral stands for Cahors. Cognacas are called Divins in Moldova.