Moët & Chandon are the most famous producers in Champagne. First founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, it was the marketing acumen of Rémy Moët which initiated the brand's international fame and mass volume production. Since then, Moët & Chandon have grown by acquiring other champagne estates, selling them forward and keeping their prestigious vineyards. Such large-scale production could only operate under the leadership of a truly superb Chef de Caves and in Benoît Gouez, Moët have one of the best. With a ten-man oenologist team led by chief Dom Pérignon winemaker Vincent Chaperon, Benoît has access to the most academic minds and palates in the region, no doubt a huge driving factor behind his success. Now proprietors to the largest amount of land: some 1,190-hecatres of rich limestone soil, and the largest extent of cellars: over twenty eight kilometres.
Every Grand Vintage is unique and original, the Cellar Master's interpretation of the singular year that is produced. The Möet & Chandon Grand Vintage spirit is founded on three essential values: Freedom of interpretation, selection of the year's most remarkable wines and individuality of the vintage. Moet & Chandon Rose 2016 is the 46th Rosé Grand vintage produced.
Weather: The 2016 vintage was not without its challenges. There was frost in late spring and very low temperatures in the vineyards, followed by a wet May, June and July, which increased the threat of disease. Thankfully August was warm and dry, which saved the crop, and harvest began on schedule in September. Fruit-forward, lush wines with vibrant acidity. While the year 2016 was unpredicable with its share of climatic challenges, the red-skinned grapes that emerged at harvest were extraordinary. These Pinot Noirs and Meuniers, which were also used to make the 13% red wine that composes Grand Vintage 2013 Rosé, are its backbone.
Technical Information:
Vineyards: Predominantly Grand & Premier Crus
Grape Varieties: 43% Pinot Noir (of which 13% was red wine), 42% Chardonnay & 15% Meunier
Disgorged: 2024
Lees Ageing: 7 years
Dosage: 5 g/l
Cork:
Mytik Diam Technological
Drink: Now to 2035+
Tasting Note: The fruitiness is immediately evident: syrupy red fruits, slightly crushed strawberries, raspberries, and late-summer blueberries taking the forefront. Complemented by delicate, colorful floral aromas: rose, hibiscus, violet. Nuances of gingerbread and chocolate powder. The palate offers an immediate sensation of pleasure, with a tender, supple and harmonious profile. The fruit emerges fresher than anticipated, showcasing perfectly ripe raspberries. The initial light structure gradually yields, imparting a delightful sensation of sweetness.
Put simply, Moët & Chandon are the most famous producers in Champagne. With production (rumoured to be in the region of thirty million bottles annually) accounting for over one-tenth of the entire region's, their role as an image builder for the appellation as a whole cannot be overstated. First founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, it was the marketing acumen of Rémy Moët which initiated the brand's international fame and mass volume production. Realising the business potential of his close friendship with Napoleon, Rémy even built the emperor a palace, Trianon on Avenue de Champagne.
Since then, Moët & Chandon have grown by acquiring other champagne estates, selling them forward and keeping their prestigious vineyards. Such large-scale production could only operate under the leadership of a truly superb Chef de Caves and in Benoît Gouez, Moët have one of the best. With a ten-man oenologist team led by chief Dom Pérignon winemaker Vincent Chaperon, Benoît has access to the most academic minds and palates in the region, no doubt a huge driving factor behind his success. Now proprietors to the largest amount of land: some 1,190-hecatres of rich limestone soil, and the largest extent of cellars: over twenty eight kilometres, Moët & Chandon's future is as secure as their champagnes are delicious.
Cellar Master:
Benoît Gouez
Winery Location: Épernay | Champagne, France
Champagne Region:
Côte des Blancs
Annual Production (bottles): Undisclosed
Chef de Cave History at Champagne Moët & Chandon:
Benoît Gouez - 2005 to current | Prior to joining Moët & Chandon, he worked in various other wine regions, including California, Australia, and New Zealand. Gouez's team includes chief Dom Pérignon winemaker Vincent Chaperon and a ten-man oenologist team, providing him with extensive expertise and resources