Beijing's move last month appeared to be a tit-for-tat measure against Brussels after the EU imposed hefty additional import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

"This step reflects the EU's firmly held view that China's provisional measures on EU brandy are not in line with WTO rules," the European Commission said in a statement.

"By requesting consultations with China over its provisional anti-dumping measures on EU brandy, the Commission is following through on its commitment to protect our industry from unfounded accusations and misuse of trade defence measures."

China's commerce ministry insisted the measures were "legitimate" and fully complied with WTO rules.

"China has the responsibility to safeguard the legitimate demands and lawful rights and interests of its domestic industries," it said.

China targeted European brandies after EU countries last month gave a definitive green light to additional tariffs of up to 35.3 percent on electric cars made in China, despite strong German opposition.

The Chinese commerce ministry released a list detailing the rates each company would expect to pay, ranging from 30.6 percent for cognac house Martell to 39 percent for Jas Hennessy and 38.1 percent for Remy Martin.

The EU has defended its electric car tariffs as "reasonable" and says they were imposed only after an in-depth investigation concluded that Beijing's state aid to auto manufacturers undercut European carmakers.

China has filed its own complaint with the WTO over the EU's decision to impose the new tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars.