The Comité Champagne

Specialist committees

Six specialist committees support the everyday activities of growers and Champagne Houses:

• Vineyard installation
• Post-production quality control
• Technical and Environmental
• "Amont"
• "Aval"
• Appellation Protection  

Vineyard installation Committee

The Vineyard Installation Committee considers applications for subsidies for the rational, environmental management of vineyards, with particular reference to: building/renovation of service roads; hydraulic resource management; stockpiling and storage of grape-press residue; installation of wash bays for spray-cleaning equipment; green landscaping. It helps the Champagne Committee reflect on ways to embellish the vineyards.

Post-Production Quality Control Committee

The Post-Production Quality Control Committee runs the Champagne wine-quality observatory. It schedules the collection of wine samples in both France and abroad, and monitors the results of sensory testing. It identifies wines that fail to meet the required quality, notifies the producers concerned of any anomalies identified and takes the necessary steps to correct shortfalls in quality. 

Technical and Environmental Committee

The Technical and Environmental Committee assigns priorities in relation to the sector’s vines, wines and the environment and considers technical solutions designed to meet these challenges within a framework of promoting sustainable development and improving quality. It is supported by the Champagne Committee, along with a network of technical research and development partner institutions operating within the industry.

"Amont" Committee

This Committee safeguards Champagne’s economic performance. It seeks to promote harmonious business development through value-adding strategies that benefit both sides of the partnership equally (growers and Champagne Houses). It assists the Executive Board in implementing and monitoring decisions relating to the industry’s internal operating practices (authentication and traceability, professionalisation of champagne stakeholders, monitoring of current sales etc.).

"Aval" Committee

This Committee develops a strategy designed to raise the profile and desirability of the Champagne appellation, both in France and throughout the world, based on relevant studies and focused on priority markets. It is supported by hospitality and reception services, along with communication tools, in particular digital and training programmes, both in France and abroad, and evaluates their relevance, effectiveness and efficiency. It sets guidelines for the Champagne Bureaux around the world and evaluates their outcomes in the context of its business areas. It determines the Champagne Committee's positions with regard to wine tourism

Appellation Protection Committee

The Appellation Protection Committee steers policy on legal recognition, access to markets and protection of the appellation both in France and abroad. It sets guidelines for the Champagne Bureaux around the world and evaluates their outcomes in the context of its business areas. If required by the Permanent Committee, it can perform a cost/benefit analysis of any judicial appeals proposed by the Champagne Committee's managing director.
It may also be called upon by the Permanent Committee to express an opinion on issues arising from appellation law (trade association decisions etc.).