Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial NV

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial NV

There is little doubt in my mind that Moët & Chandon is the most recognised champagne brand on the planet and arguably no other brand has done more to pioneer using champagne for celebration. 

Moët goes so far as to credit Jean-Remy Moët, grandson of founder Claude Moët, as being the man who introduced champagne to the world and this quote about Jean-Remy Moët says it all… “Much like his champagnes, when Monsieur Moët enters the room, boredom disappears.” 

Moët & Chandon produces more champagne than any other house in Champagne… 30 million bottles! And the Brut Impérial alone accounts for more than 20 million bottles, which is about 7% of Champagne’s total production.

That is a LOT of champagne and means they are buying grapes from everywhere (and anywhere) so if you are looking for character and uniqueness, this is not the wine for you. But as a party wine, it’s perfect.

The price of the Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial has gone up over the last few years. You used to be able to pick it up for under $50 but now it’s usually around $60. 

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Tasting Notes 

Bubble & Flute Review 

In a few words… party, party, party.

In a sentence… I always find the Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial to be characterised by a dusty, earthy, buttery toastiness. Distinctly champagne with a distinct yeasty aroma.

Moment or mood… Definitely a party champagne. 

Where to buy it… Available in all good wine retailers. Expect to pay about $55. 

*Bubble & Flute Champagne Style – Rich & Robust.

Wine Expert Reviews

Tyson Stelzer… ‘The mind-boggling scale and complexity of composition of Brut Impérial makes its improvement in recent years all the more admirable, and it’s as lively and fresh as ever. Red apple, lemon and grapefruit zest are underlined by the biscuity, spicy complexity of a couple of years of lees age. The dusty hazelnut and coffee bite of phenolic bitterness that defines the style lends some firmness and astringency, melding with tangy, fresh, lemon-accented acidity and ever lower, nicely balanced dosage. A good Brut Impérial and an impressive result for this scale of production.’ 88 Points

Wine Enthusiast, Roger Voss… “Well balanced, this Champagne, even with its enormous production, remains a benchmark and is always enjoyable. In this bottling, ripe white fruit is cut with citrus, with an edge of toastiness that gives complexity. Drink now.” 89 Points 

Official Tasting Notes from Moët & Chandon 

Eye…The color is an elegant golden straw yellow with amber highlights.

Nose…Its aromas are radiant, revealing bright yellow-fleshed fruits (apple, pear, yellow peach), honey, floral nuances (lime blossom) and elegant blond notes (brioche and fresh nuts).

Palate… The palate is seductive, richly flavorful and smooth combining generosity and subtlety, fullness and vigor, followed by a delicately fresh crispiness (fruit with seeds), to reveal the magical balance of Champagne.

Food pairings… An ideal apertif wine or paired with cheese platter or pastry-based canapés.

The Technical Details

The Blend

30-40% Pinot Noir

30-40% Meunier

20-30% Chardonnay

A blend of more than 100 different wines 

Dosage – 9 g/l 

Aged – for a minimum of 2 years on lees

Reserve wines – 30 – 55% reserve wines

Total annual production – 20 million bottles 

Bubble & Flute Champagne Style* – Rich & Robust  

Have you tried the Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial? Let me know what you think and next time you’re drinking it, post a pic and tag @bubbleandflute #happychamper.