Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1743 by Claude Moët in Épernay, Moët & Chandon is one of Champagne’s most iconic houses and a flagship of LVMH. Since 1842, the House has released over 70 vintage champagnes, preserving them in its prestigious Grand Vintage Reserve cellars  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Cellar Master Benoît Gouez leads a tasting committee that selects and blends more than 100 base and reserve wines. In 2016, he emphasized Chardonnay while balancing the blend with Pinot Noir and Meunier  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The blend comprises 48% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir, and 18% Pinot Meunier from Grand and Premier Cru sites across Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs. The 2016 vintage saw spring frosts and early summer rain followed by hot, dry conditions, yielding small but intensely ripe berries  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermented parcel by parcel in stainless steel with around 5–10% of the Chardonnay aged in oak. The wine was aged on lees for approximately six years, with a 5 g/L dosage and at least six months of bottle aging post-disgorgement  .

Tasting Notes

Slightly golden with green reflections. Initial aromas of toasted bread, grains, and hazelnut evolve to gingerbread, marzipan, barley sugar, plum, mirabelle, quince, orange blossom, and aniseed. The palate is serene and round at first, then builds into a structured mid-palate and finishes with vibrant citrus notes of clementine and pomelo  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with shellfish (oyster, crab, lobster), roasted poultry, white meats with fennel, veal, seafood, and subtle game. Its creamy texture and saline finish enhance richer dishes while maintaining refreshing balance ().

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled between 8–10 °C in tulip or fine-stem white-wine glasses to preserve aromatics and mousse. No decanting is required; gentle swirl is sufficient.

Storage and Aging Potential

With proper cellaring at 9–12 °C, 70–80% humidity, and darkness, this vintage will age gracefully for 10–15 years, developing tertiary notes like honey, brioche, dried fruit, and almond  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

• Chardonnay: 48%

• Pinot Noir: 34%

• Pinot Meunier: 18% 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5% ()

Scores

• James Suckling: 93 

• Tastingbook: 96 ()

• Decanter: 93 ()

• Wine & Spirits (IWC Silver Medal): ~90 ()