$49-$49
Prices
2015-2015
Vintages
0
Sales
0
Owners
About
Moët & Chandon, founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, is a leading champagne producer known for its rich history and innovative spirit. The company has grown significantly over the centuries, with notable expansions under Jean-Rémy Moët and Pierre-Gabriel Chandon de Briailles. Today, it is part of the luxury goods company LVMH and produces approximately 28 million bottles annually. Moët & Chandon is famous for its iconic cuvées like Moët Impérial and Dom Perignon, which have been celebrated by royalty and nobility, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Queen Elizabeth II. The estate boasts the largest network of underground wine cellars in Champagne, adding to its legacy of timeless excellence.
History
Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, a wine trader from Épernay. Initially known as Moët et Cie, the company began shipping its wine to Paris, capitalizing on the increased demand for sparkling wine during the reign of King Louis XV. Claude Moët's son, Claude-Louis, joined the company, expanding its clientele to include nobles and aristocrats.
In 1833, the company was renamed Moët et Chandon after Pierre-Gabriel Chandon de Briailles, the son-in-law of Jean-Rémy Moët, joined as a partner. This period saw significant growth and innovation, including the introduction of the concept of vintage champagne in 1840 and the marketing of the first vintage in 1842. The best-selling brand, Brut Imperial, was introduced in the 1860s.
Moët & Chandon continued to expand, merging with Hennessy Cognac in 1971 and Louis Vuitton in 1987 to form LVMH, the largest luxury group in the world. The company has maintained its prestige through iconic cuvées like Dom Perignon, which was first released in 1921 and is only produced in high-quality vintages. Today, Moët & Chandon is one of the world's largest champagne producers, owning 1,190 hectares of vineyards and annually producing approximately 28 million bottles of champagne[1][4].
Terroir
Moët & Chandon's terroir is located in Épernay, spanning the five main Champagne zones: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Vallée de la Marne, Sézanne, and Aube. The vineyard benefits from a unique location influenced by both continental and oceanic climates. The continental climate features harsh winter frosts and significant sunshine in summer, while the oceanic climate provides regulated rainfall year-round. The soil composition is predominantly chalk and limestone, formed during the Cretaceous period, which imparts a distinct minerality and aromatic intensity to the champagnes.
The terroir's varied and hilly landscape, combined with the vineyard's layout, contributes to the signature character of Moët & Chandon's champagnes. The estate's extensive vineyard is classified with 50% as Grand Cru and 25% as Premier Cru, showcasing the richness of the region's main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. This unique terroir allows the grapes to thrive, resulting in champagnes known for their bright fruit, savory palate, and excellent maturity[1][4].