Vigneron Independant: independent of whom? Independent of what?
To be a member of the independent winegrowers' association, certain principles must be respected:
-Takes care of his grapes from his parcels and terroir.
-Making your own wine. In Champagne, this means not only being a "récoltant manipulant", but also not belonging to a cooperative. You have to vinify your own grapes, with your own press, vats and vinification. You have a 100% traceability guarantee, and the Champagne sold to you is not mixed with grapes from other producers, as is the case with cooperatives.
The Independent Winegrower charter commits the winegrower.
The Independent Winegrower
- respects his terroir,
- works his vineyard,
- harvests his grapes,
- vinifies and ages his wine,
- bottles his production in his cellar,
- markets his products,
- perfects his skills in keeping with tradition,
- welcomes, advises on tasting and takes pleasure in presenting the fruit of his work and cultivation.
Today, the group has over 7,000 members in 10 French départements.
In Champagne, there are over 300 of us.