Moët & Chandon, But Impérial, 150 years of celebration!

When you visit the wine cellars of Moët & Chandon in Épernay, 10 to 30 metres below ground a shiver runs through us. Not only because of the cold, but also because of the rich history of this great champagne house created almost three centuries ago in 1743.

When you roam around those vast limestone cellars that stretch out over 28 kilometres, you begin to think that one of the mazes might lead you to Napoleon Bonaparte sabering champagne with his friend Jean-Rémy Moët after having granted him the Legion of Honour. The emperor liked champagne, but he also liked the boldness and business acumen of the founder’s grandson, Claude Moët. Napoleon would often visit the estate after his campaigns, and the champagne Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial was created in his honour back in 1869.

What can explain 150 years of such tremendous success? It’s all about the perfect balance between three grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and local Chardonnay, along with a blend of 200 vintages. Cellar master Benoît Gouez takes on this huge challenge every year, and he always succeeds beautifully. The elegance of this brut sparkling champagne has been maintained thanks to the know-how of the artisans, and nobody can resist it to this day.Long live Moët & Chandon and the Emperor!