Wine & cellar advice

How to identify a grower Champagne

On every Champagne label, a two-letter code followed by numbers is printed in small type, usually at the bottom of the label.

RM and NM

The designation "RM" (Récoltant-Manipulant) indicates that the producer grows their own vines and vinifies their own grapes. The designation "NM" (Négociant-Manipulant) indicates a house that buys grapes or wine from growers to blend and market under its brand — the majority of well-known major houses operate as NM.

What this implies

An RM Champagne generally reflects a more distinct terroir and style, with production volumes significantly lower than those of a merchant house. This distinction is not an automatic guarantee of quality in either direction, but it provides information on the production structure and partly explains differences in availability: an RM produces in limited quantities, with distribution often restricted to a few independent wine merchants.