Moët & Chandon
The world's largest champagne house, based in Épernay since 1743, and the bottle that appears at almost every celebration. What's in Brut Impérial, how the other bottles differ and which glass goes with it.
The house that brought champagne to the world
Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët in Épernay, in the heart of the Champagne region. The house grew under his grandson Jean-Remy Moët, who by the end of the eighteenth century had become known as the man who introduced champagne to the world. His early customers included the Marquise de Pompadour, Talleyrand and Napoleon. Since 1869, Brut Impérial has been the flagship, and today it is the world's best-selling champagne.
What's in the bottle is a blend of the three classic grapes. Brut Impérial contains 30 to 40 percent pinot noir, the same amount of meunier and 20 to 30 percent chardonnay. The region's chalky soil, temperate climate and cool nights give the grapes the finesse on which the house relies. All bottles in the range are 12.5%, from the entry-level bottle to the vintage champagne.
In brief
Five bottles from the same house
All 12.5%, but the dosage and grape blend vary considerably. This determines whether a bottle belongs with the aperitif or dessert.
Brut Impérial
Straw-coloured with green accents, featuring green apple, citrus and brioche. Juicy white fruit on the palate and fine bubbles.
Rosé Impérial
Radiant pink, with wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry, notes of rose and a lightly peppery accent.
Nectar Impérial
The house's sweet bottle, with 40 to 45 grams of sugar per litre. Pineapple, grapefruit, apricot and a hint of vanilla.
Grand Vintage 2016
Vintage champagne made from 44% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 24% meunier, aged for six years and with just 5 grams of residual sugar.
Ice Impérial
Made to be poured over ice cubes. Mango, guava and nectarine, balanced with caramel and quince.
Our champagne page explains exactly what brut, extra brut and demi-sec mean, including the grams of sugar.
Green apple, citrus and brioche
Apple & citrus
Green apple and citrus fruit, with mineral nuances and white flowers, underpinned by the ripe notes of brioche and fresh grain.
Juicy and subtle
Generous and subtle at the same time: pear, peach and apple, with citrus and a hint of blackcurrant. The bubbles are fine and linger for a long time.
Fresh and elegant
A fresh, dry finish with citrus. That's exactly why this bottle works just as well with oysters as it does for a toast.
Flavor profile of the Brut Impérial. With 40 to 45 grams of sugar, the Nectar Impérial is much sweeter; the Grand Vintage is drier.
Three ways to serve Moët
Chill the bottle to 8 to 10 degrees and twist the bottle, not the cork, when opening it. The cork will then come out with a sigh, while the bubbles stay where they belong.
Pure as an aperitif
Pour down the side of a tilted glass and fill it to about two-thirds. A 75 cl bottle yields about five glasses. Brut Impérial pairs with shellfish, sushi with scallops or tuna tartare.
Glass: flute or tulip →Ice Impérial over ice
This bottle was made for it: chill to around 8 degrees, pour 12 cl into a large wine glass and add three ice cubes. This deliberately dilutes the champagne and keeps it cold on a terrace for a long time.
More about champagne →In a cocktail
Kir Royal, Mimosa and French 75 all work well with a brut. Don't use your most expensive bottle for these: the crème de cassis, orange juice or gin will set the tone anyway. An ordinary Brut Impérial is more than sufficient.
To the cocktails →The best cocktails with Moët & Chandon
Kir Royal
Crème de cassis at the bottom, topped up with champagne. It doesn't get simpler than this.
Mimosa
Equal parts orange juice and sparkling wine, with a splash of Cointreau.
French 75
Gin, lemon and syrup shaken, then topped up with champagne.
Bellini
Peach purée with bubbles. Classic with prosecco, crisper with champagne.The right glass for Moët & Chandon
A flute if you want to toast, a tulip glass if you want to smell the aromas, and a large wine glass for the Ice Impérial. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything you still wanted to know about Moët & Chandon
Can't find your question here? Check out our cocktail recipes or get in touch.
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