Moët & Chandon Impérial NV 1.5L

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1743 by Claude Moët in Épernay, Moët & Chandon has become one of Champagne’s most iconic houses and a major brand within LVMH. The Impérial range was established in the 1860s as the flagship non-vintage offering, embodying the House style of bright fruitiness and refined maturity. With over 1,190 ha of vineyards and production reaching millions of bottles annually, Impérial remains a benchmark for consistent, high-quality Champagne in large formats such as the 1.5 L Jeroboam.

Producer and Wine Maker

Under Cellar Master Benoît Gouez and a tasting committee, the cuvée is assembled using more than 100 base and reserve wines. For the Jeroboam format, the same meticulous blending applies—pinpointing expressive fruit, creamy texture, and balance—while the larger bottle enhances mousse finesse and maturity during extended lees aging. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are drawn from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards across Champagne’s Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir), Vallée de la Marne (Pinot Meunier), and Côte des Blancs (Chardonnay). The chalk-rich soils and cool maritime-influenced climate—with marked diurnal shifts—produce grapes with crisp acidity, minerality, and varietal purity, underpinning the wine’s consistent house style. ()

Vinification & Aging Methods

Each parcel undergoes temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation, with approximately 5–10% of the blend aged in oak. The final cuvée is composed with 20–30% mature reserve wines before secondary in-bottle fermentation. It is then aged on lees for a minimum of 24 months, with dosage around 9–10 g/L, achieving a harmonious balance of freshness and richness. ()

Tasting Notes

The Jeroboam pours a golden straw hue with green highlights, releasing vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus zest, white flowers, brioche, and fresh nuts. On the palate it is creamy yet crisp, offering white peach, pear, salted almond, citrus peel, and subtle toasted notes, followed by a precise, mineral-inflected finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Versatile and elegant, it works beautifully as an aperitif and with shellfish (oysters, crab, lobster), sushi, grilled fish, poultry, creamy dishes, and soft cheeses. Its creamy texture and lively acidity make it a great match for fresh vegetables and lightly spiced fare. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Chill slowly to 8–10 °C and serve in large tulip- or white-wine glasses to capture aromatic complexity and preserve mousse. The Jeroboam format benefits from gentle pouring; no decanting is necessary, but a soft swirl enhances aromatic lift. ()

Storage and Aging Potential

When cellared properly at 9–12 °C, 70–80% humidity, and away from light, the 1.5 L Impérial can age gracefully for 5–8 years. Over time it develops tertiary notes such as honey, brioche, nuts, and pastry, while retaining its structure and freshness. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

• Pinot Noir: 30–40 %

• Pinot Meunier: 30–40 %

• Chardonnay: 20–30 %

  Includes 20–30 % reserve wines 

ABV

12 %

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 92 (2023) 

• James Suckling: 91 ()

• Wine Enthusiast: 90