Understanding Champagne Labels — RM vs NM

When you pick up a bottle of champagne, do you know what the letters RM or NM mean? In this episode of Got Somme, Carlos breaks down the codes behind the label and why they completely change the flavour, quality, and story inside your glass.

From grower champagnes to the big houses like Krug, Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, we explore what makes one bottle taste unique while another stays consistent year after year.

Carlos and Angus taste through five different styles — including Brut Nature, Rosé de Saignée, Grand Cru, and Vintage Champagne — explaining how sugar levels, vineyard ownership, and blending practices shape each glass.

Whether you’re a champagne lover, a curious drinker, or just want to sound like you know your stuff next time you’re at the bar, this episode is for you.

Sponsors:

RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sort=bestSeller

(Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 20% off)

Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

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In this episode:
• What RM (Récoltant Manipulant) and NM (Négociant Manipulant) really mean
• How rosé champagne gets its colour
• The difference between Brut, Extra Brut, and Brut Nature
• Why some bottles taste the same every year (and why that’s impressive)
• What “Grand Cru” and “Premier Cru” actually represent
• How Krug builds an “orchestra” of wines for each vintage

 

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction – Welcome to Got Somme & the focus on champagne
0:30 – RM vs NM – What these labels mean and why it matters
2:12 – Five Champagnes Tasted – Overview of the lineup
3:36 – Grower Champagne & Personal Picks – Why RM is sought after
5:02 – Big Houses & Consistency – How Moët, Veuve Clicquot, Krug blend wines
7:22 – Orchestra Analogy – How Krug’s cellar master blends hundreds of wines
9:46 – Vintage vs Non-Vintage – Differences in aging and style
12:07 – Unique Grapes & Pinot Blanc/Gris – Expanding beyond classic varieties
13:50 – Rosé Champagnes – How color is created and pressing techniques
16:06 – Brut vs Brut Nature vs Extra Brut – Sugar levels and taste impact
18:32 – Premier Cru & Grand Cru – Top regions & why it matters
20:17 – Tasting RM Producers – Frederic Savard, Paul de Tune & others
22:08 – Vintage Champagne Explained – Aging requirements and complexity
25:14 &nd