The Geographical Indications Committee (GIC) has made an interim determination of the term Avola following notification by IP Australia that no objection was made out. In deciding whether to make such determination, the GIC has very little discretion where it is clear that the GI is protected by the laws of the country where the area is located.
Notice of the interim determination has been published and a copy of such notice is accessible via the following link:
https://www.wineaustralia.com/news/articles/avola-gi-interim-determination
Wine Australia maintains that once Avola is registered as a GI in Australia, use of ‘Nero d’Avola’ would not constitute a GI claim. Rather, Wine Australia’s position is that ‘Nero d’Avola’ is a common internationally recognised grape variety produced in Australia and internationally. Accordingly, our position is that use of the variety Nero d’Avola as a grape varietal name would not constitute an offence under the Act.
