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History of the Sovetskoje Shampanskoje (Советское Шампанское)

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27 June 2023

Any student of Liden & Denz in Riga is familiar with the brand Советское Шампанское (Sovetskoje Shampanskoje, literally translated as “Soviet Champagne”) as it is synonymous with the farewells we bid to the students leaving the school. These bottles of Sovetskoje Shampanskoje have a rich history behind them, with roots in the ideologies of the Soviet Union. Originally produced in the Soviet Union, this iconic beverage has undergone significant transformations, including its integration into the Latvijas Balzam brand in Latvia.

Советское Шампанское emerged during the Soviet era as a response to the popularity of Champagne from France’s Champagne region. Under the direction of Joseph Stalin, champagne was to be made widely available to the people of the working class, despite the prestige associated with it. As a result, Советское Шампанское was created as part of an effort to mass-produce what was once perceived as luxury goods for the everyday worker in the Soviet Union. New production techniques were used to capture the traditional flavor of sparkling wine in a shorter time, and ambitious goals were declared by the state for the production of the wine. Production involved a combination of traditional winemaking techniques and modern methods to create a beverage with its own distinctive character.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Советское Шампанское faced challenges in adapting to the changing economic landscape. It was during this time that Latvijas Balzam, a renowned Latvian spirits company, recognized the potential of Советское Шампанское and acquired the brand. The integration of Советское Шампанское into Latvijas Balzam allowed for the preservation of its cultural heritage and the continuation of its legacy.

During the transition of Советское Шампанское to Latvijas Balzam, a significant legal dispute arose with the company LIONS, which also claimed ownership of the brand. The lawsuit centered around the ownership rights and the use of the Sovetskoje Shampanskoje name and trademarks. The legal battle spanned several years and involved complex negotiations and arguments from both sides. It was finally resolved with the court ruling in favor of Latvijas Balzam, affirming its rights to the brand. This outcome secured the cultural heritage and legacy of Советское Шампанское under the stewardship of Latvijas Balzam.

Советское Шампанское also faced legal challenges regarding the usage of the term ‘champagne.’ Producers of Советское Шампанское agreed to stop using the ‘champagne’ trademark in 2011, although some still use the Cyrillic rendition of Советское Шампанское instead to circumvent this and honor the agreement.

The journey of Советское Шампанское from its origins as a sparkling wine in the Soviet Union to its current position under the Latvijas Balzam brand is a testament to the enduring appeal of this beverage. Preserving tradition while embracing innovation, Советское Шампанское has evolved into a symbol of celebration that continues to captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide. With its rich history and cultural significance, it became the brand of Sovetskoje Shampanskoje we know and toast to today.