Understanding the French Wine Classification: Négociant, Exploitant, Récoltant
When we talk about French wine classification, most people think of AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) or VDP (Vin de Pays), for example. However, there are other classifications that can help us choose the wine we are looking for. Among these, “Négociant,” “Exploitant,” and “Récoltant” stand out, representing distinct roles within the wine industry. These terms provide insight into the production process, the provenance of the grapes, and the level of control the producer has over the wine. Understanding these classifications can enhance your appreciation of French wine and help you make informed choices when selecting a bottle.
Négociant: The Wine Merchant
A “Négociant” is essentially a wine merchant who buys grapes, must (freshly crushed grape juice that contains the skins, seeds, and stems), or finished wine from various growers and producers to produce and sell wine under their own label. The role of the négociant is deeply rooted in French wine history, dating back to the 11th century. Historically, many small vineyard owners lacked the resources to vinify and market their own wine, so they sold their harvest to négociants.
There are two sub-types of négociants:
1. Négociant Éleveur: This type of négociant purchases either grapes or wine in bulk, then ages, blends, and bottles the wine. They have more control over the final product, including the aging process.
2. Négociant Manipulant: Commonly seen in the Champagne region, these négociants purchase grapes and handle the entire winemaking process from fermentation to bottling.
Exploitant: The Operator
“Exploitant” refers to the person or entity that operates a vineyard and is responsible for the cultivation of the vines. This term underscores the agricultural aspect of winemaking. An exploitant might own the vineyard or lease the land but is directly involved in the viticultural activities such as planting, pruning, and harvesting.
The term “Exploitant” is less about the winemaking process and more about vineyard management. An exploitant ensures that the grapes are cultivated to the highest standards, which in turn influences the quality of the wine produced.
Récoltant: The Harvester
“Récoltant” refers to a grower who harvests their own grapes and often vinifies the wine themselves. The term “Récoltant” is frequently seen in conjunction with “Manipulant,” forming “Récoltant Manipulant” (RM). This is especially common in Champagne, indicating that the grower not only harvests the grapes but also handles the entire winemaking process, resulting in a wine that is typically more artisanal and expressive of the specific vineyard’s terroir.
Implications of These Classifications
These classifications imply different levels of involvement and control in the winemaking process:
– Négociant: May produce wine from grapes sourced from various vineyards, often leading to a product that represents a broader regional style rather than a single vineyard expression. This can offer consistency and reliability but might lack the unique character of a single estate wine.
– Exploitant: Focuses on the cultivation of the grapes, potentially leading to higher quality raw material. An exploitant might work closely with négociants or be involved in producing their own wine if they are also a récoltant.
– Récoltant: Indicates a hands-on approach where the grower controls both the grape growing and the winemaking processes. Wines labeled as “Récoltant” often reflect the unique characteristics of a specific vineyard or estate, offering a more authentic expression of terroir.
Recognizing These Classifications
To recognize these classifications on a wine label:
Négociant: Look for terms like “Négociant Éleveur” or “Négociant Manipulant.” The producer’s name is typically prominent, but the vineyard sources might not be specified. Additionally, French regulations require wine producers to indicate the type of operation they run by adding a specific letter on the top of the cap. For négociants, this letter is “N.”
Exploitant: This term is less commonly featured on labels but might appear in the detailed description or back label, emphasizing the vineyard management aspect. To identify an exploitant, look for the letter “E” on the top of the cap.
Récoltant: In regions like Champagne, look for “Récoltant Manipulant” (RM) on the label. This indicates that the wine was made by the grape grower themselves, offering a more personal and terroir-focused wine. The letter “R” on the top of the cap will indicate a récoltant for other regions.
Conclusion
These letters (N, E, R) are crucial for identifying the classification and role of the producer, providing a quick reference to the type of operation behind the wine.
Understanding the terms “Négociant,” “Exploitant,” and “Récoltant” can greatly enhance your wine knowledge and purchasing decisions. These classifications reveal the level of control and involvement a producer has in the winemaking process, ultimately influencing the style, quality, and character of the wine. By recognizing these distinctions, you can better appreciate the nuances of French wines and select bottles that align with your preferences.