(WSJ) - The world's most famous bubbles have gained new recognition in China.

Chinese authorities have registered Champagne as an official label, according to the Champagne trade organization representing the French brands and grape growers. The move limits the use of the name to sparkling wine made in France's Champagne region.

The new recognition could boost protection of the celebratory drink in a country that is essential to its growth. The Champagne industry sells half of its annual production to French consumers, but the bottles attract higher prices—and sales growth—abroad. Yet Chinese consumers have been slow to order the drink, preferring spirits such as whiskey, Cognac and red wine.

But Champagne isn't crying victory yet. Other countries such as the U.S. have dragged their feet on enforcing stringent protection of the name. The Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, the Champagne trade group, has been lobbying for years to prevent other makers of bubbly from using the famous fizz's name on wine made outside of the Champagne region.