Épernay, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Champagne region in France, holds a special place in the world of fine wines and spirits. One of the most prestigious Champagne houses, Moët & Chandon, has long been synonymous with luxury, elegance, and celebration. A visit to its estate is not just an exploration of their world-renowned cellars and tasting wines; it’s a journey through time, retracing the footsteps of historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and discovering the rich heritage that has shaped this iconic Champagne house. Here is my experience visiting Moët & Chandon.
Menu
Introduction
The Museum
The Cellars
Tastings
The Boutique
Overall Thoughts
Introduction
Moët & Chandon is a global icon synonymous with luxury, celebration, and craftsmanship. It’s a brand that has transcended time and trends, remaining at the forefront of the Champagne industry. From its humble beginnings in Épernay to its association with historical figures, Moët & Chandon’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, innovation, and the artistry of creating some of the finest Champagnes in the world. I like to think that there is joy and celebration in every bottle of Champagne they produce.
The Museum
Before descending into the cellars, the visit started with a tour of the Moët & Chandon museum. Home to incredible historical objects in a modern, luxurious setting, it paints the history of this old Maison.
The tale of Moët & Chandon begins in 1743 when Claude Moët, a visionary Dutch entrepreneur, established the House of Moët in Épernay, France. Claude Moët recognized the potential of Champagne as a luxury beverage with international appeal. He was a pioneer in recognizing the opportunity to introduce Champagne to the world beyond France’s borders, and his efforts laid the foundation for the house’s global reputation. In fact, the museum has a very interesting map that shows when their champagne reached different countries. It arrived in Canada in 1826, for example.
As the 18th century unfolded, Moët’s foresight paid off, and the Champagne house quickly gained recognition among the elite. In 1758, Claude’s grandson, Jean-Rémy Moët, assumed control of the business and further expanded its reach. The patronage of royal courts and influential figures, including King Louis XV, solidified Moët & Chandon’s position as a purveyor of exquisite Champagne.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Perhaps one of the most pivotal moments in the house’s history came through its association with Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s fondness for Moët & Chandon’s Champagne elevated the brand’s prestige and cemented its status as the preferred Champagne of the imperial courts. The Emperor’s victories and celebrations were punctuated by the popping of Moët & Chandon corks, creating a lasting tradition of Champagne as a symbol of triumph and festivity. You can see his actual bicorne hat on display, worn during his exile to the Island of Elba in 1814.
There is a lot more to see at the museum, but these were some of my favourite highlights. Many Champagne Houses have historical objects on display, but none have a museum in-house quite like this!
The Cellars
Moët & Chandon’s cellars — known as crayères — are not just repositories of Champagne. They’re repositories of history and tradition behind every sip of this timeless icon of celebration. These crayères are a subterranean labyrinth sprawling beneath the town of Épernay. Some date back 300 or so years, holding millions of bottles ageing gracefully.
Moët & Chandon has the largest cellar network in the region at 28 km (this is the biggest Champagne house, after all!). Employees have little vehicles to get around quickly, but I was on foot as I was only visiting a small section. Each cavern and passageway has identification. It’s almost an underground city!
They owe their existence to the unique geology of the Champagne region. Carved into the region’s chalky subsoil, these caves offer ideal conditions for aging and maturing Champagne. The chalk, composed of microscopic marine fossils, imparts remarkable properties. It regulates temperature and humidity, providing a stable environment. Chalk’s ability to absorb and release moisture prevents extreme fluctuations that could negatively impact the wine. In fact, the cellars are quite cool — a welcome respite from the summer heat!
Highlights
My tour offered a glimpse into the meticulous process of Champagne-making, from Champagne’s different sub-regions to grape selection to bottling. I was particularly interested in the riddling racks. The process of riddling involves gradually tilting and turning the bottles to collect sediment in the neck before disgorging. I could clearly see the sediment! While machines are typically used these days, the best cuvées are still riddled by hand.
Bottles are stored horizontally to keep the wine in contact with the cork, preventing it from drying out. This method ensures a proper seal and minimizes the risk of oxidation. The cellars are dimly lit to protect the wines from light-induced damage. Ultraviolet (UV) light can degrade wine compounds, affecting flavour and colour.
The cellars are also host to cultural artifacts. An intricately carved Foudre gifted from Napoleon to Jean-Rémy Moët in 1810 can be viewed. It is a giant vat made out of oak from Algarve that can hold over 1000 L of wine. Religious figures also dot the cellars.
Returning to the surface, another beautiful sight awaited: a magnificent stained glass window depicting the Champagne-making process.
Back at the surface, I was able to appreciate the craftsmanship I learned about through a tasting in the private gardens of the Maison.
Tastings
In the sumptuous gardens of Moët & Chandon, I was able to kick back and sip on two of their cuvées: their flagship Moët Impérial Brut and one of their Grand Vintages. I have to say that the grounds were quite beautiful and relaxing. Comfortable chairs (we actually have the same on our balcony!), surrounded by well-maintained gardens and a fountain. There are even walking paths and bridges over the small pond.
Champagne Moët Impérial Brut
If you have ever had the pleasure of drinking real Champagne before, this is mostly likely the one you tried! It is one of the most popular Champagnes in the world and is the Maison’s signature Champagne. It is a blend of more than 100 different wines (ensuring consistent flavour). The blends are 30-40% Pinot Noir, 30-40% Meunier, and 20-30% Chardonnay. It is crisp and fresh, with notes of white fleshed fruits (pear, apple, etc) and citrus.
Champagne Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012
This is the wine that started my interest in vintage Champagnes. Vintage means that it is made from grapes from one single year. They tend to be made from particularly exceptional years and are often aged longer, creating beautiful, interesting Champagnes.
The year 2012 holds special significance for Moët & Chandon and the entire Champagne industry. This was a vintage that showcased the exceptional quality of grapes harvested that year, resulting in wines of remarkable depth and complexity. The blend is 33% Pinot Noir, 26% Meunier, and 41% Chardonnay. It still has the Maison’s signature pear/white fruit aromas, but also nutty rich pastries and fresh florals as well. It is absolutely decadent and a joy to drink, almost velvety in mouth. I highly recommend trying it!
The Boutique
The tour ended with a visit to the boutique. They have pretty much anything you can think of that is related to Moët & Chandon. Not only their regular range, but also products that are only available in others countries (such as Moët Ice).
There are also all sorts of vintages and different sized bottles available. The oldest vintage available at the time was from 1985. Classes, stationary, blankets, umbrella, and many other items are available for purchase here.
You always meet the most interesting people while visiting Champagne Houses. My friend and I met a couple from Dubai/Russia that invited us to test out their new glasses from the shop. We hopped into their convertible and drove over to a lookout point before popping open a couple bottles. What an incredible way to enjoy the views! The glasses added a fun taste to the experience.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, visiting Moët & Chandon is a must!
Moët & Chandon’s legacy is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. A visit to their cellars in Épernay is not just a journey through their wine-making process; it’s a journey through time, from the days of Napoleon to the present day, where the spirit of celebration and the art of Champagne continue to thrive.
It is a fantastic opportunity to go behind the scenes of the world’s biggest Champagne brand, a symbol of joy, success, and the finer things in life. Highly recommend.