The Fascinating History of Moët & Chandon
A legacy that is over 270 years old.
The story ofMoët & ChandonIt all began in 1743 when Claude Moët founded the champagne house. Under his leadership, the house experienced meteoric growth and quickly became a benchmark for champagne, prized by European royal courts, notably by King Louis XV. His grandson, Jean-Rémy Moët, played a pivotal role in the house's international renown by introducing its champagnes to the court of Napoleon Bonaparte, who became a fervent admirer. It was under Jean-Rémy's leadership that the house truly took off, expanding internationally and allowing Moët & Chandon to become one of the world's leading champagne producers.
In 1832, the company merged with that of Jean-Rémy's son, Pierre-Gabriel Chandon, giving birth to the brandMoët & Chandonas we know it today. The spirit of innovation and conquest of the global market continued to bear fruit throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. At the beginning of the 21st century, Moët & Chandon joined the LVMH group, a world leader in luxury, further consolidating its position as a benchmark in the world of champagne.
Today, the houseMoët & ChandonMoët & Chandon remains a leading name in Champagne, embodying both historical grandeur and bold modernity. Each cuvée produced by the house perpetuates the expertise acquired over centuries, while constantly striving to innovate and adapt to the expectations of contemporary consumers. This marriage of tradition and innovation makes Moët & Chandon an essential player in the world of Champagne.
The Moët & Chandon Terroir
Unique plots of land for incomparable champagnes
Moët & ChandonThe house owns one of the largest vineyards in the Champagne region, spanning over 1,300 hectares spread across the region's finest terroirs. These plots are located in the three main Champagne production areas: the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, and the Côte des Blancs. This geographical diversity allows the house to cultivate the three major Champagne grape varieties—Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay—under ideal conditions, thus guaranteeing a wide range of aromas in its cuvées.
The terroir ofMoët & ChandonThe region is characterized by chalky soils typical of the area, which play a crucial role in the ripening of the grapes and the minerality of the wines. Pinot Noir, planted mainly in the Montagne de Reims, brings structure and intensity to the champagnes, while Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne contributes to their fruitiness and roundness. Chardonnay, from the Côte des Blancs, brings freshness, finesse, and elegance—emblematic characteristics of Moët & Chandon champagnes.
The house makes it a point of honor to practice sustainable and responsible viticulture, favoring environmentally friendly methods.Moët & ChandonFor several years, the estate has been committed to sustainable viticulture practices, limiting the use of chemicals and promoting biodiversity. The harvest is done by hand to ensure rigorous selection of the grapes, and each plot is cultivated to optimize the expression of the terroir.
The Secret of Moët & Chandon Wines
Unparalleled expertise
Winemaking atMoët & ChandonMoët & Chandon's expertise is built upon over two and a half centuries of experience, combining innovation with respect for Champagne traditions. Every step of the process, from harvest to bottling, is meticulously controlled to ensure consistent quality, vintage after vintage. The house uses the traditional Champagne method, with fermentation in tanks followed by a second fermentation in the bottle. This final stage, known as "prise de mousse" (sparkling wine production), is crucial for achieving the fine bubbles that characterize Moët & Chandon Champagnes.
Non-vintage cuvées, such as Moët Impérial, are the result of a complex blend of reserve wines, ensuring consistency in taste and quality. In contrast, vintage cuvées, such as Grand Vintage, are produced only in exceptional years. Each vintage captures the essence of the year and the terroir, offering a unique experience with every tasting.
Champagne productionMoët & ChandonThe wine is aged on its lees for several years, which gives it a creamy texture and aromatic depth. The characteristic aromas of the house's champagnes include notes of white fruit, citrus, and white flowers, with hints of brioche and minerality. The distinctive character of Moët & Chandon champagnes lies in their perfect balance of freshness, elegance, and complexity. Whether for a grand celebration or an intimate tasting, each bottle of Moët & Chandon promises a unique sensory experience, marked by the finesse of its bubbles and the richness of its aromas.
Buy a champagneMoët & ChandonIt is to offer oneself a piece of history and excellence, a promise of refinement and pleasure, all carried by one of the most prestigious names in the world of wine.
