Grower Champagne, Captivating Wine Enthusiasts Around the World
Most people are familiar with the large Champagne houses or “Maisons de Champagne”, as they refer to them in France. These houses often produce large volumes of NV - non-vintage Champagne using grapes from their own vineyards, as well as grapes from different vineyards and sub-regions, to create a consistent house style. We are talking about the large Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, G.H. Mumm, and Laurent-Perrier. See August 2, 2023 Wine Wanderings, “LIVE from Champagne, France Press Tour.”
In contrast, Grower Champagnes are produced by the estate that owns the vineyards where the grapes are grown. Because the grapes used to make these artisan Champagnes come from specific parcels of land and are blended in small lots, they can taste very different and distinctive from year-to-year. The sense of place that these wines exhibit allows wine enthusiasts to experience a closer connection to the final product. Perhaps this is why sommeliers and wine enthusiasts around the world refer to these wines as the darling of Champagnes and are in great demand. Download below: 2026 A Champagne and Wine Primer for Wine Wanderings.
“I usually expect better value for my money from grower Champagne. It isn’t inexpensive—we’re talking about Champagne after all—but I feel that my money is paying for the grapes and the winemaking, not for a big marketing budget.
The greatest appeal of grower champagne is its sense of authenticity. Grower champagne isn’t made by a large house that produces millions of bottles a year. It’s made by the people who live on the land and grow the grapes. They know the soil and the history. It is the “farm to table” version of champagne. It delivers a distinct sense of place.” --Dr. Terry Lease, Ph.D., DipWSET®, Professor of Wine Business, California Polytechnic State University
What to Know When Looking for Grower Champagnes
Identifying Grower Champagnes can be quite confusing if you aren’t familiar with how French wines are labeled. The French term for Grower Champagnes, Récoltant-Manipulant or “RM”, will always be included somewhere on the front or back wine label. A few other clues to look for on the label include:
Check for the name of the village or region where the Champagne is produced. Grower champagnes are often found in smaller villages or regions rather than in the more well-known champagne-producing areas like Épernay or Reims.
As these champagnes are often produced in small quantities and often come from high-quality vineyard classifications, look for small production numbers on the label and/or a “Grand Cru” or Premier Cru” classification.
Check for the vintage year on the label. Many grower champagnes are vintage, meaning they are made from grapes harvested in a single year.
If the bottle was produced at one of the large Champagne houses, you’ll find “NM” or “Négociant-Manipulant” on the label. This designation refers to a wine producer who does not grow their own grapes. If you want to know more about champagne sweetness terms, vintage styles and producers, download “2026 Wine Wanderings Champagne and Sparkling Wine Primer” here.
“I think that there are two reasons that wine geeks like me love grower Champagne. One is because drinking grower Champagne is a small way to root for the little guy & the artist over the corporate behemoth. The other is that grower Champagne can be distinct & different & reveal a little more of a sense of place than most large Champagne houses. That said, I do still love some of the big company Champagnes. Pol Roger’s Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée is one of my favorite wines of all time!” -- Phillip Anderson, DipWSET®, GM, Le Vigne Winery.
Grower Champagnes aren’t always easy to find in the states due to their limited production, distribution, and high demand.
Grower Champagne Recommendations
Pierre Moncuit Delos Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne, France, $90
93 Points, James Suckling
A very classy Blanc de Blancs with a fine balance and lacy mousse with flavors of Asian pear, quince blossom, pickled ginger, and slivered almond. 4000 cases made.
Roger Coulon L'Hommee Brut Premier Cru, Champagne, France NV - $99.99
93 Points, James Suckling
Aged for five years prior to disgorgement, this wine is an equal blend of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. This cuvée is yeasty and rich with a bold expression of terroir. Wonderful tour here. See photo above.
Gaston Chiquet Blanc de Blancs d’Ay Grand Cru, NV Champagne, France $80
This Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) is a classic with its sophisticated balance of tartness and chalkiness. Wonderful with pan-fried sole.
If You Visit:
Champagne Roger Coulon (They also have guest accommodations) The Clos des Terres Soudées, Vrigny, France, By appointment only, Cellar Tours: Visiting Coulon
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Wine and Spirits IN THE NEWS
Reuters, July 25, 2026, “Thousands evacuated as wildfires approach the city of Bordeaux,” a record of 98,000 hectares burnt in France so far this year.
WineBusiness: July 22, 2026, “Celia Welch Elevated to Director of Winemaking for Scarecrow, While Marie-Laure Ammons Joins Her as Winemaker,” – Celia Welch is a long-time friend and one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world. See Wine Wanderings interview of Celia Welch, April 16, 2024, “Celia Welch, Celebrated Napa Valley Winemaker.”
Also by Tricia Conover, Editor:
