The fine print on the Champagne label

▲ Can you find the fine print?

Anyone who thinks Champagne is always produced by the winegrower or Champagne house is mistaken. Not all winegrowers and producers have the resources to create Champagne from the ground up.

For example, there are winegrowers who own their own land but lack the means to press and vinify the harvested grapes. On the other hand, there are also producers who do have these resources but don't own their own land and grapes. Of course, there are also independent winegrowers who own their own land and use it to produce their own Champagne.

There are several (professional) categories that indicate how Champagne is produced. This is indicated by two letters followed by the license number issued by the Comité Interprofessional du Vin de Champagne (Champagne Commission). The professional category and the number must always be indicated on the Champagne label . Look for the fine print and numbers!

Below are the meanings of the letters.

Categories

RM : Récoltant manipulant

A Champagne producer who grows, harvests, and further processes their own grapes into Champagne within the company. This type of winemaker uses only grapes from their own harvest. They then sell the Champagne under their own label.

NM : Négociant manipulant

Often a company or individual purchases grapes or must (grape juice) and processes them into Champagne within their own company. If they have their own vineyards, these fields are cultivated, harvested, and further processed into Champagne. They then sell it under their own label. Most large Champagne houses fall into this category, having both their own vineyards and purchasing grapes or must.

RC : Grower-cooperateur

A winegrower who grows and harvests his own grapes and then delivers them to a local cooperative. He then takes back the Champagne and sells it under his own label.

CM : Cooperative de manipulation

A cooperative of wine growers that processes its members' grapes into Champagne and sells it under its own label.

SR : Société de récoltants

An association of winegrowers (often a family) that collectively processes its members' grapes into Champagne and sells them under its own label. The winegrowers are closely involved in the production process.

ND : Distributor-Négociant

A distributor who purchases Champagne, labels it within their own company, and then sells it. This company does not have to be located in Champagne.

MA: Marque d'acheteur/Marque-auxiliaire

A Champagne brand owned by a third party, other than the producer, purchases Champagne and sells it under its own label. An example of a third party is an importer or distributor. In some cases, they simply purchase the Champagne without any involvement. In other cases, the third party is deeply involved and can influence the production process, ensuring, for example, that the desired flavors and aromas develop in the Champagne.