News — Bordeaux

French winemakers have been given the green light to change a centuries-old tradition: a new national law passed in late 2025 now permits the addition of sugar (as grape must) to dry wines, a revolutionary step, especially for Bordeaux.

Against a backdrop of ongoing protests and economic pressure, Bordeaux's leading wine organizations published a joint "Call from Bordeaux" on January 14th, demanding immediate French government intervention to save the industry.

U.S.-France relations soured this past week after President Trump threatened to impose a devastating 200% tariff on French wine and Champagne, a move that could effectively wipe out the market in the United States.

The year 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the creation of France's first wine appellations, a system that has shaped the world of wine and continues to be a symbol of quality and authenticity for consumers.