Bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne London

What to know?

Brand: Moët & Chandon is a renowned champagne house based in Épernay, France. It is one of the largest and most recognized champagne producers globally.
Champagne Type: Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut is a non-vintage champagne, which means it is made from a blend of multiple years’ harvests to achieve consistency in flavor and style.
Taste Profile: Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut is known for its bright and crisp flavor profile. It typically exhibits fruity notes, such as apple, pear, and citrus, along with a touch of biscuit and floral undertones.
Champagne Region: Moët & Chandon is located in the Champagne region of France, which is renowned for its strict regulations and quality standards for producing sparkling wine.
Bottle Size: Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne is available in various bottle sizes, including standard 750ml bottles, larger formats like magnums (1.5L) or jeroboams (3L), and even smaller sizes like half bottles (375ml).
Occasions: Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut is a versatile champagne suitable for various celebrations and occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, parties, or simply for toasting and enjoyment.
Availability and Price: The availability and price of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne can vary depending on your location and the retailer you choose. It is commonly available at wine shops, liquor stores, and online retailers specializing in champagne and sparkling wines.

How it is made

Here are the key steps involved in its production:

Grape Harvest: The process starts with the careful selection and harvesting of grapes. Champagne is typically made using a blend of different grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Gentle Pressing: After harvest, the grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice while minimizing contact with the grape skins, which could add unwanted color and tannins. The pressing process may be done in multiple stages to obtain different quality levels of juice, known as cuvées.
Primary Fermentation: The extracted grape juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. Yeast is added to convert the natural sugars in the juice into alcohol, resulting in the production of a still wine.
Blend Creation: After primary fermentation, the winemaker creates a blend by carefully selecting and combining different wines from various grape varieties and different years. This blending process allows the winemaker to achieve a consistent house style and flavor profile.
Secondary Fermentation: The blended still wine is bottled, and a mixture of yeast and sugar, known as liqueur de tirage, is added to initiate the secondary fermentation. The bottles are sealed with crown caps.
Aging on Lees: The sealed bottles are stored horizontally in cool cellars, and the secondary fermentation takes place inside the bottle. During this process, carbon dioxide is produced, creating the bubbles. The bottles are aged on their lees (dead yeast cells) for at least 15 months, and some higher-quality champagnes may age for several years.
Riddling: After aging, the bottles gradually move from a horizontal to a vertical position. This process, known as riddling or remuage, involves gently shaking and rotating the bottles to collect the yeast sediment in the neck of the bottle.
Disgorgement: Once the sediment has collected in the neck of the bottle, it is frozen to form a plug. The bottles are then opened, and the pressure within the bottle forces the frozen plug containing the sediment out. This process is called disgorgement.
Dosage: After disgorgement, a small amount of wine and sugar mixture, known as the dosage, is added to adjust the sweetness level of the champagne. The sugar added determines whether the champagne will be classified as brut, extra brut, sec, demi-sec, or other designations.
Corking and Aging: The bottles are sealed with corks, wire cages (muselets) are placed over the corks to secure them, and the champagne can rest and age further in the cellar. The aging period after disgorgement can vary depending on the style and desired characteristics of the champagne.
Bottling and Distribution: Finally, the bottles are labeled, packaged, and distributed to retailers, restaurants, and consumers worldwide.

What is the price?

The average price is $55 / 750ml

Where to buy?

Wine Shops and Liquor Stores: Local wine shops and liquor stores often carry a selection of champagnes, including Moët & Chandon. These specialty stores may have knowledgeable staff who can assist you in selecting the right bottle for your preferences or occasion.
Online Retailers: Numerous online platforms specialize in selling wines and spirits, including champagne. Websites like Wine.com, Total Wine & More, and Drizly offer a wide range of champagne options, and you can search for Moët & Chandon specifically on these platforms. Remember to check if they can ship to your location and if there are any legal restrictions or requirements for purchasing alcohol online in your region.
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Larger supermarkets or grocery stores with dedicated alcohol sections may carry Moët & Chandon champagne. It’s worth checking with your local grocery stores to see if they stock this brand.
Fine Dining Restaurants and Hotels: Upscale restaurants and hotels often have a comprehensive wine list that includes a selection of champagnes. Moët & Chandon is a popular choice in these establishments, and you can enjoy it by the bottle or glass.
Duty-Free Shops: If you’re traveling internationally, you may find Moët & Chandon champagne in duty-free shops located at airports or border crossings. These shops offer a range of alcoholic beverages, including champagne, with potentially discounted prices for travelers.

Is it Expensive?

Moët & Chandon champagne is considered a premium brand, and its pricing reflects its reputation and quality. While the cost can vary depending on factors such as the specific bottle size, the type of Moët & Chandon champagne (such as the Imperial Brut), and any promotions or discounts, it is generally more expensive compared to lower-priced sparkling wines or non-champagne alternatives.