The owner of one of France's top Bordeaux wine chateaux hopes U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of 200% tariffs on European wine is just posturing because the impact would be devastating if not.

Industry representatives warned that a 200 percent tax on European wines and spirits would halt shipments to the United States and wipe €4 billion off France’s trade balance.

Trump said he would impose the tariff if the European Union continues with its plan to impose a 50% tariff on whiskey beginning in April.