Moët & Chandon in three stages: Tasting by Sommelier Claude Boileau
Do you want to repeat the Moët et Chandon “Champagne Box” experience at W Montreal at home? Here is a brief description of the 3 champagnes featured in this exclusive space in North America that will delight Montrealers until the end of June. Here is Moët & Chandon in three stages: a tasting by Sommelier Claude Boileau
Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut
Moët & Chandon Impérial
Photo: Moët & Chandon
Let’s start the tasting with the emblematic vintage of this champagne house, created in 1869! A symphony of yellow apples, tangerine, a touch of honey, marzipan, brioche and very pastry aromas. The bubbles and the foam are fine (24 months of ageing); moreover, it is ample in the mouth, vibrant and generous.
Blend :
- Consistency and balance created from 100 different wines.
- Diversity and complementarity:
- Pinot Noir (30 – 40%)
- Meunier (30 – 40%)
- Chardonnay (20 – 30%)
Grape sourcing :
The base wines are tasted blind regardless of their origin. 100 different basewines are necessary to produce Moët Impérial.
Winemaking :
Non-oxidative oenology thanks to stainless steel fermentation and systematicprotection against oxidation throughout the process to preserve the original fruitiness. 100% malo-lactic fermentation to soften acidity and bring roundness.Long maturation in the cellar for fine bead and velvety texture. Reserve wines: 20 to 30% (1 to 3 years old).
Maturation:
24 months maturation in the cellars with 3 months minimum in bottle after disgorgement.
Dosage:
7 g/l (Brut)
Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Rosé
Moët & Chandon Impérial Rosé
Photo: Moët & Chandon
A rosé champagne is in order to continue in style and with class! A cherry, strawberry, raspberry oratorio; it is light, brioche, delicate and its bubble is fine (1 to 3 years of aging), while having a nice bitterness and length on the finish. Radiant and seductive, we almost touch the sky.
Blend :
- The intensity of the Pinot Noir (40 – 50% of which 10% red wine)
- The roundness of the Pinot Meunier (30 – 40% of which 10% red
wine) - Finish with the elegance of the Chardonnay (10 – 20%).
Grape sourcing :
The base wines are tasted blind and selected regardless of theirorigin.
Winemaking :
Non-oxidative oenology thanks to stainless steel fermentation and systematic protection against oxidation throughout the process to preserve the original fruitiness. 100% malo-lactic fermentation to soften acidity and bring roundness. Long maturation in the cellar for fine bead and velvety texture.
Reserve wines: 20 to 30% (1 to 3 years old).
Maturation:
21 months maturation in the cellars.
Dosage:
7 g/l (Brut)
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012
Photo: Moët & Chandon
Blend :
- This vintage’s red grape varieties were particularly good, especially the Meunier, which explains their dominant proportion in the blend.
For once, the Chardonnay stays slightly in the background.- Pinot Noir: 33%
- Meunier: 26%
- Chardonnay: 41%
Grape sourcing :
The base wines are tasted blind and selected regardless of their origin.
Winemaking :
Non-oxidative oenology thanks to stainless steel fermentation and systematic protection against oxidation throughout the process to preserve the original fruitiness. 100% malo-lactic fermentation to soften acidity and bring roundness. Long maturation in the cellar for fine bead and velvety texture.
No reserve wines in the blend. Every Grand Vintage is unique and original, the cellar master’s personal, free interpretation in service of the singular qualities ofthat year’s grapes.
Maturation:
Ageing period in cellars: at least 5 years
Ageing after disgorging: at least 6 months
Dosage:
5 g/l (Extra Brut)
Unfortunately, the latter does not seem to be available for purchase at SAQ and LCBO.
An experience to do right now at W Montréal
The Moët & Chandon Champagne Box experience continues at the W Montréal hotel until the end of June. Hurry up to enjoy it, it’s a unique experience in a magnificent setting. You won’t be disappointed, but really not. Reserve now !
