American wineries hit by EU ban

American wine producers are pressing politicians to fight European Union rules which will stop them using words like chateau or vintage on their labels.

The EU has decided to enforce regulations which will affect hundreds of exporting wineries in the USA.

Other words which are banned include classic, fine, noble, ruby, superior, tawny and clos.

The EU rule is particularly bad news for Washington's Chateau Ste Michelle and Napa's Clos du Val.

Lawmakers in 10 states have been asked to take up the winemakers' case and urge US trade representatives to step in.

Last year, US wine exports to the EU were worth $486 million, up 9% on the previous year.

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