France sees red over Trump wine tax threat, cheaper vintages seen worst hit

French red wine is poured into a glass at the Chateau du Pavillon in Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont, France, July 29, 2019. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

BORDEAUX/PARIS (Reuters) - American lovers of fine French wine are likely to keep stocking their cellars and uncorking bottles despite U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose a tax in a potential new trade war. But makers of cheaper French vintages are concerned.

France's premier wines sell for hundreds of dollars a bottle and are often bought for their prestige as much as their taste, industry experts say, so a U.S. tariff will have less of an impact on demand.