Champagne Producer Types Explained (NM, RM and CM)

When people start planning a trip to Champagne, they usually ask me which houses they should visit. It makes sense, because most people arrive knowing a few famous names. But what many visitors do not realise is that Champagne producers fall into clear technical categories, and you can see this directly on the bottle labe

On the back of every Champagne bottle, you will usually find a two-letter code. The most common ones are NM, RM and CM. These are official classifications that explain how the producer works.

NM – Négociant-Manipulant

The large, famous Champagne houses are known as Grandes Marques. On the label, they are classified as NM, which stands for Négociant-Manipulant.

These are usually the names people already recognise before they arrive in Champagne. They tend to be based in places like Reims and Épernay and work with grapes sourced from all over the region. What they do very well is consistency. You know what you are going to get, and that is part of their identity.

When people visit these houses, they often notice how polished everything feels. Large cellars, very organised visits, and a strong sense of heritage.

RM – Récoltant-Manipulant

RM producers are independent winegrowers who make Champagne from grapes grown on their own land.

These are the families who grow the vines, harvest the fruit, and make the wine themselves. Their Champagnes often show more variation from year to year and tend to express the character of a specific village or soil.

Visits to RM producers usually feel more personal. You often meet the people directly involved in the vineyard and the cellar, which gives more context to what you are tasting.

CM – Coopérative de Manipulation

CM stands for Coopérative de Manipulation.

These are groups of growers who come together to produce Champagne under a shared structure. Instead of each grower vinifying their own wine, the grapes are brought together and Champagne is made collectively.

This system allows small vineyard owners to stay independent while sharing resources, equipment, and expertise. CM producers are an important part of how Champagne functions, even if they are less visible to international visitors.

Why this matters when visiting Champagne

Understanding these producer types makes it easier to plan a trip that actually suits you.

If you like polished, structured experiences, NM houses are usually a good fit.
If you prefer small, personal visits, RM growers are often more rewarding.
If you are curious about the wider landscape of Champagne, CM producers help you understand how the region works behind the scenes.

There is no right or wrong choice. There are just different ways to experience Champagne.

Conclusion

Understanding producer types gives you a much clearer picture of Champagne as a region. It helps you move beyond just famous names and start choosing visits that actually match the way you like to travel.

If you enjoy learning about Champagne and how it works behind the scenes, I regularly share vineyard visits and educational content on my Instagram. I also created a free guide to help travellers plan a Champagne day trip in a practical, thoughtful way.

Both are linked in my profile if you would like to explore further.