The Champagne label
You might not have noticed it before, but you can often find a wealth of information on a Champagne label. This includes how the Champagne is produced, the type of Champagne in the bottle, the sweetness, and the best drinking temperature. The producer decides what to include on the label, although some information is mandatory (red circle).
A bottle can have a label on both the front and back. In that case, the front often defines the bottle's appearance and gives you a first impression, while the back contains all the mandatory information. Some manufacturers opt for just one label, which must contain all the information.
Below is the back of a Champagne label. The information marked with numbers in red circles is mandatory on the label. This information can appear on either the front or the back.
- 1. Name of the producer, Champagne house, or brand. The word "Champagne" must always be clearly visible on the bottle.
- 2. General information about this Champagne, the brand, or the producer. For example, information about the producer, the grapes, the vines, or vinification methods.
- 3. The specific characteristics of this cuvée. A Prestige is the house's "most prestigious" Champagne. This could also include Millésime (vintage), Rosé, Blanc de Blancs , or Blanc de Noirs, for example.
- 4. The category of dosage. Read more about dosage in Champagne here.
- 5. Classification of the vineyards. Within Champagne, there are categories such as Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and regular villages.
- 6. The year, or in most cases, years, in which the grapes were harvested.
- 7. The bottling date. This is the date the still wine is bottled.
- 8. The disgorgement date indicates when the bottle received its final cork. The time between bottling and disgorgement is the time the Champagne spent in the cellar.
- 9. The dosage category is already indicated on the bottle. Some producers choose to indicate the exact dosage. In this case, 6.5 grams of sugar per liter. Read more about dosage here.
- 10. The optimal temperature for drinking Champagne. Read more about how to chill Champagne.
- 11. The contents of the bottle. In l, cl, or ml.
- 12. The trade name of the producer and the municipality where the head office is located.
- 13. Mention that “drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small amounts, may be harmful to the health of the child.” Or the logo.
- 14. Batch number, which is mainly important for the producer.
- 15. Indication of allergens and preservatives.
- 16. The official "mark" of the manufacturer. The letters indicate the production method. More about the meaning of these letters and numbers can be found here.
- 17. Country of origin. Also often seen as "Produit de France"
- 18. Alcohol percentage.
- 19. Logo of the Vignerons Indépendants, a winegrowing association representing (small) independent winegrowers. A member winegrower grows and produces their own wines with respect for the terroir and a passion for wine.
- 20. The Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) is an environmental certification regulated by law. There are three levels, with level 3 being the highest attainable. To receive HVE certification, a series of requirements regarding sustainable agriculture and an environmentally friendly approach must be met.