# Grand Vintage (2026)

- **Producer:** Moët & Chandon
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** biscuit, bread, pastry, brioche

## About this wine

The Grand Vintage by Moët & Chandon is a distinguished Champagne produced in the renowned Champagne region of France. This particular bottling is designated as 'Extra Brut,' signifying a very dry style. Each Grand Vintage is a unique creation, reflecting the specific characteristics of a single year's harvest, with the decision to produce one resting solely on the exceptional quality of that year's grapes, as determined by the Cellar Master. The 2026 vintage represents a future release, as the wine requires significant aging after harvest before it is deemed ready for consumers. Moët & Chandon's commitment to excellence is evident in their meticulous selection process and the legacy of quality associated with their name.

## Interesting facts

- A Grand Vintage is only declared in years with truly exceptional harvest qualities.
- Moët & Chandon typically ages its Grand Vintages for around seven years.
- The 'Extra Brut' designation indicates a very dry style with minimal added sugar.
- The 2026 vintage is not yet produced and will be released in the future.

## Food pairing

The Extra Brut style, with its low dosage, makes this Champagne incredibly versatile. Its crisp acidity and fine bubbles cut through richness and fat, while its complexity can stand up to intense flavors. Pairings focus on ingredients that complement its elegance without overpowering it, such as delicate seafood, rich sauces, and earthy elements like truffles.

## Wine making process

The creation of Moët & Chandon's Grand Vintage begins with the meticulous selection of grapes from a single, exceptional harvest year. The decision to declare a vintage is made by the Cellar Master, Benoît Gouez, only when the year's harvest exhibits truly remarkable qualities. Following harvest, the base wine undergoes primary fermentation, often in stainless steel, to retain fruit purity. A secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, a traditional method that creates the wine's characteristic effervescence and develops complex aromas. The wine then undergoes an extended period of aging on its lees, a process that contributes significantly to its texture and flavor profile. This aging, typically around seven years for Grand Vintages, allows for the development of depth and complexity. Finally, the wine is clarified through riddling and disgorgement before its release, ensuring a refined and elegant final product that represents the unique character of its vintage.