About this champagne

Moët & Chandon was founded in Épernay in 1743 by Claude Moët, and over the following century the house became the favoured Champagne of European courts. Impérial, its signature non-vintage Brut, was created in 1869 and named in tribute to Napoleon, a friend of the family. It remains the house's defining style and one of the most recognised Champagnes in the world.

The blend draws on all three Champagne grapes, Pinot Noir and Meunier at 30-40% each and Chardonnay at 20-30%, aged for 24 months in the cellars and finished with a dosage of 7 g/l. Expect a straw-gold colour with green glints, fine bubbles, and aromas of green apple and citrus, white flowers, brioche and fresh nuts, followed by a generous palate of pear, white peach and apple. It is the go-to bottle for weddings, anniversaries, Diwali gifting and any milestone worth marking.

Key facts

• The house was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët in Épernay; Impérial was created in 1869
• Blend of Pinot Noir (30-40%), Meunier (30-40%) and Chardonnay (20-30%), varying by year
• Aged 24 months in the cellars, with a dosage of 7 g/l
• Non-vintage Brut Champagne, 12% ABV

Tasting notes

Nose:

green apple, citrus and white flowers, then brioche, cereal and fresh nuts

Palate:

generous and fruity, pear, white peach and apple with fine bubbles

Finish:

fresh, with lingering citrus

Serve

Serve well chilled at 8-10°C in a tulip or white wine glass rather than a narrow flute, to let the aromas open up.

Food pairing

Superb with sushi, oysters, scallops or fresh goat cheese, and with Bengali bhetki paturi, prawn cutlet or a delicate chingri malai curry.