The legacy of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage

With roots that go back to the 15th century^Th Moët & Chandon has a rich and storied history dating back to the 19th century. Officially founded in 1743 by the French-Dutch winemaker and wine merchant Claude Moët, it was his grandson Jean-Rémy Moët who laid the foundation for the house’s fame.

Let’s look at today: The brand, now owned by LVMH and the first internationally recognized luxury Champagne, owns the largest Champagne estate, comprising 16 of the 17 Grands Crus and a tasty selection of vintage -, non-vintage and demi champagnes. Sparkling wine and rosé champagne. With more than 26 million bottles annually, it is also the world’s largest producer of Champagne, popular for its bright and fruity characteristics. So no pressure for his chief winemaker Benoît Gouez.

Having first joined the company in 1998 and being promoted to chef de cave (chief winemaker) in 2005, he shares the house’s founding mission of “sharing the magic of Champagne”. “Champagne is all about sharing – it’s a rich, passionate world,” he explains. “I love sharing. I love dinner with friends, good conversations, exchanging ideas and different perspectives. I love to celebrate and make every moment in life as beautiful as possible.”

At the heart of its winemaking is the subtle interplay of technique and sensitivity, knowledge and creativity, which preserves the distinctive character of Moët & Chandon while allowing for gentle evolution to keep the Maison contemporary.

The 77th^Th Vintage in the history of the house, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016, is a Chardonnay Champagne in which the grape makes up half of the blend alongside Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Each Grand Vintage uniquely reflects the climate and conditions of that year, and the 2016 harvest was a year of turbulent weather, wet and cool for an extended period, followed by intense heat, but despite these challenges the grapes ripened the Meuniers and Pinots Noirs are particularly good. The result is a well-balanced wine aged in the cellar for six years that is bright, mischievous and begging to be shared – here Gouez talks about what’s so unique about this release.

Tasting Note 1: Fruity and floral bouquet

2016 presented challenging weather conditions, starting with a cold and wet winter followed by a rainy and snowy spring. These conditions kept winemakers on their toes with constant surprises and contrasts. However, a dry and hot pre-harvest period beginning in September ultimately saved this vintage. The Grand Vintage 2016 blend is 48 percent particularly vibrant Chardonnay from this harvest, resulting in beautiful floral notes.

Tasting Note 2: Toasted Bread and Hazelnut

According to the rules of the Champagne appellation, vintage champagnes must be aged in the cellar for at least three years. However, Moët & Chandon ages its vintage champagnes at least twice as long to give them a more complex expression Millésimen. Having spent more than six years on its lees in the cellars, the 2016 Grand Vintage presents rich secondary notes, particularly toasted bread and hazelnuts.

Tasting Note 3: Tempting palate

Of the three main grape varieties, Meunier is generally known to have the lowest aging potential. However, its qualities allow the production of round, smooth champagnes. Moët & Chandon stays true to its style and uses around 20 percent Meunier in its Grand Vintage Champagnes. The result is a seductive palate that balances fullness, suppleness and approachability.

Tasting Note 4: Bright fruitiness

Moët & Chandon practices a non-oxidative oenology and respects the inherent potential of the grapes and the aging ability of the wines. Using stainless steel tanks that protect the wine from oxygen contact at every stage of its production, the Grand Vintage displays a refreshing liveliness and creamy effervescence that highlights its bright fruitiness.

Where you can have a drink

The Moët & Chandon Bar at Harrods until the end of September.

Visit moet.com

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