Remueurs are the skilled workers responsible for manually carrying out the process of remuage (riddling) in traditional sparkling wine production. These individuals are highly trained in the precise technique of turning and tilting bottles to encourage sediment to move from the sides of the bottle down toward the neck. This process is essential for clearing sparkling wine of the sediment that forms during secondary fermentation.
The role of the remueur requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the wine’s behavior. Traditionally, remueurs work with pupitres (A-frame racks), in which bottles are placed at an angle. Over the course of several weeks, the remueur manually rotates each bottle by small increments and increases the tilt, allowing the sediment to gradually settle in the neck. A remueur can handle thousands of bottles at a time, with the most experienced workers able to riddle up to 40,000 bottles in a single day.
Although modern technology has introduced automated machines like gyropalettes that can perform riddling faster and with less labor, many traditional Champagne houses still rely on the expertise of remueurs to maintain the artisanal quality of their wines. The craft of the remueur is a respected and valued tradition in regions like Champagne, symbolizing the dedication and skill involved in producing top-tier sparkling wines.
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