Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV 375 ml

Winery Background and History:

Founded in 1743 by Claude Moët in Épernay, Moët & Chandon is one of Champagne’s most iconic houses and a pillar of LVMH The Impérial non‑vintage cuvée, introduced in the 1860s, embodies the House’s hallmark combination of bright fruitiness, creamy texture and fine mousse Drawing from roughly 1 190 ha of Grand and Premier Cru vineyards it stands as a reliable benchmark in global Champagne production 

Producer and Wine Maker:

Under Cellar Master Benoît Gouez and a dedicated tasting panel Moët & Chandon blends over 100 base and reserve wines annually to maintain the consistent Impérial profile A small portion of the blend undergoes oak maturation to add complexity Even in the 375 ml format the same precision in selection fermentation and aging ensures elegance and aromatic depth ()

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

Bottles are assembled from grapes sourced across Champagne’s premier sub‑regions Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims Pinot Meunier from Vallée de la Marne and Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs These chalk‑rich soils and cool maritime climate with pronounced diurnal shifts yield grapes with vibrant acidity minerality and varietal clarity 

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Individual parcels undergo temperature‑controlled stainless steel fermentation with 5–10 % matured in oak The final blend integrates 20–30 % reserve wines followed by secondary in‑bottle fermentation and a minimum of 24 months lees aging Dosage is approximately 9–10 g/L, striking a harmony between freshness and richness ()

Tasting Notes:

This half‑bottle pours a golden straw colour with green highlights The nose features green apple pear white peach citrus blossom brioche and fresh nuts The palate is both creamy and crisp with notes of white peach salted almond citrus peel subtle toast and a precise mineral‑tinged finish 

Food & Wine Pairing:

An outstanding aperitif that pairs beautifully with oysters crab lobster sushi grilled white fish creamy poultry dishes and soft cheeses Its creamy texture and lively acidity allow it to complement both delicate and richer flavours ()

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve gently chilled at 8–10 °C in a tulip‑shaped or white‑wine glass to preserve mousse and concentrate aromas No decanting is needed A gentle swirl will enhance aromatic expression ()

Storage and Aging Potential:

Properly cellared between 9–12 °C with 70–80 % humidity and minimal light this Champagne will age gracefully over 5–8 years Developing tertiary notes of honey brioche nuts and pastry while retaining its structural integrity and freshness ()

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

Pinot Noir 30–40 % · Pinot Meunier 30–40 % · Chardonnay 20–30 % · Reserve wines 20–30 % 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

12 %

Scores:

Wine Spectator: 92 points 

James Suckling: 91 points 

Wine Enthusiast: 90 points ()