Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial Rose NV

Winery Background and History Maison Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët in Épernay, France and stands as one of the world’s most iconic Champagne houses. Over nearly three centuries the house has pioneered global appreciation for sparkling wine, marrying traditional craftsmanship with dynamic marketing and cultural presence. Moët’s Ice Impérial range, launched as a modern innovation, represents a new chapter in the house’s history by redefining how Champagne can be enjoyed—specifically over ice—expanding its versatility and appeal in contemporary drinking contexts.

Producer and Winemaker Ice Impérial Rosé is crafted by the expert cellar team at Moët & Chandon under the overarching philosophy of the house’s Chef de Cave and blending team. This team meticulously assembles base wines from across Champagne’s premier sites to maintain the distinctive Moët style of balanced fruitiness, vivacious freshness and refined effervescence. The production combines tradition with innovation, ensuring the unique profile of Ice Impérial Rosé remains consistent while tailored for its intended “on ice” serving experience.

Vineyards and Micro Climate Grapes for Ice Impérial Rosé come from a broad selection of vineyards throughout the Champagne region, drawing from Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites with chalk-rich soils that contribute minerality and structural integrity. The cool continental climate of Champagne, with significant diurnal temperature variations, promotes gradual ripening and preserves natural acidity in the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes used in this blend. The diverse terroir across Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs contributes to the wine’s rich fruit character and refreshing finish.

Vinification & Aging Methods This rosé Champagne is fashioned via the traditional méthode champenoise: primary fermentation of individual varietal lots in temperature-controlled vessels followed by secondary, in-bottle fermentation after tirage. The blend typically includes 20–30 % reserve wines to enhance consistency and depth. After secondary fermentation, the wine ages on its lees for a period (often around 18 months) to develop complexity. A dosage of approximately 38 g/L contributes to the wine’s balanced demi-sec style, supporting fruit intensity even when served with ice. 

Tasting Notes The color is a vivid pink with golden highlights. The bouquet expresses an inviting array of red berries and cherries—morello cherry, lingonberry and cranberry—balanced by juicy summer fruit nuances like fig and nectarine and an appetizing grenadine note. On the palate the fruit sweetness disperses into a harmonious interplay of fruitiness and freshness, culminating in a refreshing finish with a delicate bittersweet pink grapefruit note. 

Food and Wine Pairing Ice Impérial Rosé pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant foods that echo its fruit character: sashimi, ceviche, light salads with citrus vinaigrette, grilled seafood, fresh shellfish, and fruit-driven desserts. It also works well with lightly spiced Asian dishes and creamy fresh cheeses like burrata or goat cheese. The light sweetness and refreshing finish make it particularly suited to summer dishes and casual celebrations. 

Service Methods and Temperatures Serve this Champagne very cold, ideally over 3 to 4 large ice cubes in a wide flute or wine glass to support its vibrant fruit profile and refreshing character. This unconventional serving aids enjoyment in warm weather and highlights the wine’s balance of sweetness and acidity. Avoid overly chilling to preserve aromatic expression, and pour gently to maintain a fine bead of bubbles. 

Storage and Aging Potential Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with stable temperature (around 10–12 °C) and moderate humidity. Non-vintage Champagnes are designed for near-term consumption; prolonged aging offers limited benefit. Once opened, enjoy within a few hours to retain effervescence and fresh aromatic expression.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used Approximately 45–55 % Pinot Noir (including ~10 % red wine), 35–45 % Pinot Meunier (including ~10 % red wine), 5–10 % Chardonnay, complemented by 20–30 % reserve wines in the assemblage. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) ~12 %