Why can London gin be made anywhere in the world, whereas Champagne can only be made in that particular region of Northern France?

lanfranco

The name "champagne" has been protected since the Treaty of Madrid in 1891, though outside of Europe, it can be used as a generic name for sparkling wine. Gin originated in the Netherlands. Though "London dry gin" is a specific variety, it would appear that the English never got around to protecting the term with a treaty or regulations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_(beverage) May 27 07, 7:26 AM

Baloo55th

There are lots of things like this. Some rather odd. Single Gloucester cheese can only be made in Gloucester, but Double Gloucester can be made anywhere. Scotch whisky can only be made in Scotland, but whisky can be made anywhere so long as it's not called Scotch. And Cheddar Cheese is made everywhere except Cheddar! (Except for one maker.) The French were onto the protection of names far earlier than the British. May 27 07, 11:11 AM