(TDB) - Spirits giant Brown-Forman has launched legal action against Château Chambord in the Loire Valley to try to stop the property from using its own name on its wines.

As reported by The Telegraph, Kentucky-based Brown-Forman is challenging the right of the 16th century château to use the word ‘Chambord’ on its wines as the company has made Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur infused in aged Cognac, for the last decade.

Modelled on a similar liqueur made in the Loire Valley in the 17th century, Chambord is made at by Brown-Forman at Cour-Cheverny near Chambord.

According to Brown-Forman, the company acquired ownership of the Chambord brand “many years ago”.

Château Chambord planted a vineyard three years ago and plans to release its first wines, ‘Clos de Chambord’ and an ‘IGP Chambord’ this autumn.

The château’s director, Jean d’Haussonville, is outraged at the decision and believes Brown-Forman shouldn’t be allowed exclusive rights to a name that carries historical significance in France.