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The phrases "Mis en bouteille au château" and "Mis en bouteille à la propriété" on French wine labels signify that the wine was bottled at the estate, indicating a commitment to quality and authenticity. Understanding these terms enhances your appreciation of the wine, as they assure that the producer controlled the entire winemaking process, reflecting the true character of the terroir.
When browsing French wine labels, you might come across the phrase “Mis en bouteille au château” or “Mis en bouteille à la propriété.” These terms hold significant importance, as they indicate that the wine was made and bottled by the producer at their estate. Understanding this phrase can enhance your appreciation of the wine you’re about to enjoy.
Mise en bouteille (bottling) is a mandatory mention on wine labels, specifying the location where the wine is bottled. The concept of mis en bouteille au château was introduced in 1924 by the owner of Mouton Rothschild and has since become institutionalized. Since 1969, consumers have increasingly favored wines that are bottled at the production site, reinforcing the significance of this designation in assuring quality.
Here are the four mandatory designations you might find on French wine labels, by order of quality:
Based on a recent 2022 ruling from the French DREET: The mention "mis en bouteille à la propriété" is permitted for certain cooperative wineries, but its application remains limited for cooperative unions.
Organizing a bottling operation is a complex and delicate affair, requiring a great deal of expertise to protect the wine's qualities for as long as possible. The bottler is responsible for ensuring the hygiene of the wine, adhering to the European hygiene directive 93/43. (later replaced by this 2004 directive)This regulation holds the bottler accountable for the cleanliness of the bottled wines since June 1, 1997.
To ensure the highest standards during bottling, several key points must be addressed:
All procedures must be documented as part of a sanitary tracking system to ensure traceability, further enhancing consumer confidence in the wine's quality.
When you see “Mis en bouteille au château” on a label (sometimes written with an s at the end of bouteilles), you can rest assured that the entire winemaking process—from harvest to fermentation to bottling—took place at the estate. This ensures the producer has complete control over every aspect of the wine's creation, often resulting in a higher-quality product.
For example, if you're holding a bottle of Saint-Émilion with this designation, you can feel confident knowing that it has been handled with care at the estate, reflecting the purest expression of its terroir.
Historically, the oldest expression for wines bottled before 1950 was “mise en bouteille du château.” This terminology highlights the long-standing tradition of estate bottling in France and underscores the importance of these designations in maintaining the quality and authenticity of the wine.
At Château du Rocher, we write “mis en bouteille au château” on the back label because it’s the term most commonly used by consumers. However, as a tribute to our history and the tradition of French winemaking, we also include “mise en bouteille du château” on the front label. This way, our bottles honor the past while remaining accessible to today’s wine lovers.
So, the next time you’re exploring the world of French wines, keep an eye out for “Mis en bouteille au château.” It’s a sign of quality and care, allowing you to savor a wine that has been nurtured from vineyard to bottle at a single estate. Don’t feel intimidated when selecting a wine from France; knowing these key terms can help you make confident choices. Cheers!
Comtesse B. de Sercey
Comtesse B. de Sercey
