LABELLING

This is the final stage before shipment. The cork and wire cage are wrapped in foil that extends down the neck of the bottle to the ‘collerette’ (neck-band). A label is then placed on the front of the bottle, and sometimes on the back too, stating the following:

• The words ‘Champagne’ (written in bold).
• The brand of Champagne.
• The type of wine as defined by residual sugar content (brut, demi-sec etc).
• Percentage of alcohol by volume (% vol).
• Bottle capacity (l, cl or ml).
• Name of the producer or company name, followed by the name of the commune where that producer is registered (plus the trading address, if different) and the country of origin (France).
• The registration and code number issued by the CIVC, preceded by two initials that indicate the category of producer: NM for Négociant Manipulant, RM for Récoltant Manipulant, CM for Coopérative de Manipulation, RC for Récoltant Coopérateur, SR for Société de Récoltants, ND for Négociant Distributeur, MA for Marque d’Acheteur.
• Batch code (sometimes displayed directly on the bottle).
• Allergen content (eg sulphur dioxide, sulphites, etc – sometimes mentioned on back label).
• The dangers of even small amounts of alcohol to the unborn child, or the symbol   (required by certain countries only)
• The Green Dot symbol indicating that the producer is a member of the packaging recovery scheme.
• Where appropriate, the vintage and specific details relating to the type of cuvée (whether  a blanc de blancs, rosé, blanc de noirs, etc).
• Optional information (the varietals used, date of disgorgement, sensory characteristics, suggested food-and-wine pairings, etc.).