For wine lovers, there are few things more intriguing than a mysterious code on a bottle. And when it comes to champagne, the codes found on the label offer a wealth of information about the wine inside. These codes, which are unique to each bottle, are a critical part of the champagne-making process and provide a roadmap to the wine’s history and heritage.
The most common code found on a champagne bottle is the lot code, which is typically located on the back label or the foil wrapper. This code contains information about the wine’s production process, including the vineyard where the grapes were grown, the date of harvest, and the date of disgorgement. The lot code is typically a combination of letters and numbers, which may seem like a jumbled mess at first glance. But for those in the know, these codes offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of champagne production.
For example, the first two letters of the lot code typically indicate the producer or brand of the champagne. The next two letters may indicate the region or vineyard where the grapes were grown, while the numbers that follow may indicate the year of the harvest, the batch or blend number, and the date of disgorgement. Some codes may also indicate the dosage, or the amount of sugar added to the wine.
Decoding these codes can provide champagne lovers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wine inside. For example, a code that begins with ‘NM’ indicates that the champagne was produced by a négociant manipulant, or wine merchant, who sourced grapes from various vineyards and blended them together to create the final product. A code that begins with ‘RM’ indicates that the champagne was produced by a récoltant manipulant, or grower-producer, who makes their own wine from their own grapes. These champagnes are often referred to as “grower champagnes” and are known for their terroir-driven character.
Other codes that may be found on a champagne bottle include ‘RC’, which indicates that the champagne was produced by a cooperative of growers, and ‘CM’, which indicates that the champagne was produced by a cooperative of wine merchants. There is also the code ‘ND’, Négociant Distributeur: This code indicates that the champagne was produced by a wine merchant or a négociant who purchases grapes, juice or wine from growers, and then blends and bottles the champagne under their own label.Finally, there is the code ‘MA’, which stands for ‘Marque d’Acheteur’ or ‘Marque auxiliaire’, indicating that the champagne was produced for a specific client or sold under a private label.
In summary, the codes found on champagne bottles are a critical part of the champagne-making process and provide a wealth of information about the wine inside. By decoding these codes, champagne lovers can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wine’s production process, history, and unique character. So the next time you pick up a bottle of champagne, take a moment to decode the label and discover the fascinating world of champagne production.
Champagne: Unveiling the Roles of Négociants and Growers in the Industry
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| NM | Négociant Manipulant: Produced by a wine merchant who sourced grapes from various vineyards. |
| RM | Récoltant Manipulant: Produced by a grower who also makes their own wine from their own grapes. |
| RC | Récoltant Coopérateur: Produced by a cooperative of growers who work together to produce wine. |
| CM | Coopérative Manipulant: Produced by a cooperative of wine merchants who work together. |
| ND | Négociant Distributeur: Produced by a wine merchant or a négociant who purchases grapes, juice or wine from growers, then blends and bottles under their own label. |
| MA | Marque d’Acheteur or Marque auxiliaire: Champagne produced for a specific client. |