# Brut Impérial (NV)

- **Producer:** Moët & Chandon
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €45
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 6–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pear, lemon, apple, peach, pastry, brioche, butter, biscuit, almond, honey

## About this wine

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial is a Non-Vintage Brut sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France. First created in 1869, it is the flagship cuvée of Moët & Chandon, one of the oldest and largest Champagne houses, founded in 1743. The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, sourced from approximately 200 of the 323 crus in Champagne. Moët & Chandon owns 1,190 hectares of vineyards, with a significant portion classified as Grand Cru and Premier Cru. The house's consistent style is achieved through the careful selection of grapes and the use of reserve wines, ensuring a reliable and recognizable expression of Champagne.

## Interesting facts

- Created in 1869 to honor Napoleon Bonaparte's 100th birthday.
- The world's best-selling Champagne.
- Moët & Chandon is the largest vineyard owner in Champagne.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and fine bubbles cut through richness and cleanse the palate, making it an excellent companion for seafood and lighter meats. Its subtle fruit notes complement delicate flavors, while its minerality provides a refreshing contrast.

## Wine making process

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial is produced using the traditional method of sparkling wine production. The grapes undergo primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with a small portion fermented in oak foudres. Partial malolactic fermentation is also employed. The wine is then aged for a minimum of two years on its lees, contributing to its texture and complexity. A significant proportion of reserve wines, typically 20% to 30%, are blended into the final cuvée to ensure consistency and add depth. The dosage, the amount of sugar added before corking, is typically between 7g/l and 9g/l, classifying it as Brut.