NM, RC, RM... Champagne mentions

RC

stands for Récoltant-Coopérateur, meaning that the winegrower has taken care of marketing his own champagne, but not necessarily its production. He brings his grapes to a cooperative, which handles vinification along with those of other winegrowers, and collects bottles before or after disgorgement to market them under his own name. The resulting champagne does not necessarily reflect the particular character of a particular vineyard, but is likely to be a little more common.

The disgorging stage will include an additional mention on the label. If the winemaker collects "his" bottles after disgorging, the label should read "elaborated by cooperative X for winemaker so-and-so". If it's before disgorging, the name of the cooperative is not mentioned. There are around 3,000 RCs in Champagne.

RM

Récoltant-Manipulant, found on champagne bottles of winemakers who grow, harvest, vinify and market their own champagne from A to Z. There are over 2,000 Récoltant-Manipulants in Champagne. The result is a producer's wine, with its own particular character due to the winemaker's own choices.

SR

For Société de Récoltants, refers to the grouping of several producers, often from the same family, into a single company for the elaboration and marketing of their products. There are very few of these in Champagne.

RC, SR and RM are indicated by the letter "R" on the capsule.

ND

For Négociant-Distributeur, meaning the presence of a distributor who markets bottles bought from a champagne producer under its own brand.

NM

For Négociant-Manipulant, the winemaker or company makes the champagne in its own cellars, vinifies, blends and markets it. The grapes come from the estate's own vines, or may be purchased from farmers, in whole or in part. There are 250 in Champagne. This is the case for most of the major Champagne houses, which control 50% of the market.

The code used on the capsules is "N" for négociants.

MA

For Marque Auxiliaire, or Buyer's Mark. MA informs the purchaser of a bottle of champagne of the simple affixing of the label and brand of a distribution chain, a retailer, a restaurateur or even a wine merchant, on bottles purchased from several producers. The label may bear the words "elaborated by NM-xxxx". NM, for Négociant Manipulant and the name, which means that, with a little research, you can find out the true origin of your champagne. There are around 3,000 NMs.

CM

Coopérative de Manipulation (CM ) stands for Cooperative de Producteurs de Champagnes, and produces champagnes from its members' grapes. There are 100 CMs registered in Champagne.

The 3 most interesting groups of initials are RM, NM and SR. It will always be preferable to choose a champagne whose producer is clearly identifiable, with a name and address mentioned on the label and not just the registration number. If he leaves his name, at least he's proud of what he does!