Decoding Champagne Initials: A Guide for Sommeliers
As a sommelier, understanding the different initials on a Champagne label is essential for selecting the perfect bottle. From RM to SR, each initial signifies a different type of Champagne producer and can give you important insights into the wine's quality and style.
This guide will decode the most common Champagne initials and explain their meaning. By the end of this post, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of Champagne producers and be better equipped to choose the right bottle for any occasion.
Récoltant-Manipulant
Let's start with RM, which stands for Récoltant-Manipulant. This means that the Champagne was produced by a grower who made the wine using their vineyards. For example, imagine a small family-owned winery in the Champagne region that grows its grapes, harvests them, and then makes its own Champagne using traditional methods. They would likely use the initials RM on their label to indicate that they are a grower-producer.
Négociant-Manipulant.
The next initials to know are NM, which stands for Négociant-Manipulant. These are large Champagne houses that do not necessarily grow all of their own grapes but instead source them from various vineyards in the region. These houses typically have access to high-quality grapes and use their expertise to blend them into consistent, high-quality Champagnes. For example, imagine a well-known Champagne brand that has been producing wine for hundreds of years and has relationships with many grape growers in the region. They would use the initials NM on their label to indicate that they are a Champagne house that sources grapes from various vineyards.
Coopérative-Manipulant.
CM stands for Coopérative-Manipulant. This is a cooperative of growers who combine to produce Champagne under a shared brand. Each grower contributes grapes from their own vineyards, blended together to make the wine. For example, imagine a group of small Champagne growers who want to pool their resources and share a winemaking facility to produce their own Champagne brand. They would use the initials CM on their label to indicate that they are a cooperative of growers who work together to make their wine.
Récoltant-Coopérateur.
RC stands for Récoltant-Coopérateur. This wine is sourced from a single grower but made entirely for them by a cooperative winemaking facility. The grower may not be involved in the winemaking process, but the wine is sold under their brand. For example, imagine a small Champagne grower contracted with a cooperative winery to produce wine on their behalf. The wine is made using the grower's own grapes, but they are not directly involved in the winemaking process. They would use the initials RC on their label to indicate that they are a grower who works with a cooperative winery.
Société de Récoltants
Finally, SR stands for Société de Récoltants. This is a registered firm set up by two or more growers who share the same winery to make wine to sell under their own labels. The growers are typically involved in the winemaking process; each contributes grapes from their own vineyards to make the wine. For example, imagine two small Champagne growers who decide to share a winemaking facility and produce a joint Champagne brand. They would use the initials SR on their label to indicate that they are a partnership of growers who produce their own wine.
