Tasting notes: The legacy of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage
Benoît Gouez, chef de cave for Moët & Chandon, talks tasting notes of its Grand Vintage 2016
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
With roots dating back to the 15th century, Moët & Chandon has a rich and storied history. Officially established in 1743 by French-Dutch vintner and wine merchant, Claude Moët, it was his grandson, Jean-Rémy Moët who laid the foundations for the maison’s fame.
Fast-forward to today and the now LVMH-owned brand, which was the first internationally-recognised luxury champagne, owns the largest Champagne estate, comprising 16 of the 17 grands crus and offering a quaffable range of vintage, non-vintage, demi-sec and rosé champagnes. It’s also the world’s largest producer of champagne, making more than 26 million bottles a year, loved for its bright and fruity characteristics. No pressure then, for its head winemaker Benoît Gouez.
Having first joined the company in 1998 and propelled to chef de cave (head winemaker) in 2005, he shares the maison’s founding mission “to share the magic of champagne.” “Champagne is all about sharing — it’s a rich, passion-filled world,” he explains. “I love to share. I love dinners with friends, good conversation, exchanging ideas and different points of view. I love to celebrate, to make every moment in life as good as it can be.”
Benoît Gouez, chef de cave for Moët & Chandon. Image: Laurent Humbert
Image: Stanislas Desjeux
At the heart of his winemaking is the subtle interplay of technique and sensitivity, knowledge and creativity, maintaining the distinctive Moët & Chandon character, while allowing for gentle evolution to keep the maison contemporary.
The 77th vintage in the history of the house, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016, is a chardonnay-led champagne, with the grape making up half of the blend, along with pinot noir and pinot meunier. Each Grand Vintage uniquely reflects the climate and conditions of that year, and the grape harvest of 2016 was a year of turbulent weather that was wet and cool for a sustained period, followed by intense heat, but despite these challenges, grapes ripened well, especially the meuniers and pinots noirs. Aged in cellars for six years, the result is a well-balanced tipple that’s radiant, mischievous, and calls out to be shared – here, Gouez discusses what’s so unique about this release.
Tasting note 1: Fruity and floral bouquet
The year 2016 presented challenging weather conditions, beginning with a cold and wet winter, followed by a rainy and snowy spring. These conditions kept wine growers on their toes with constant surprises and contrasts. However, a dry and hot period leading up to the harvest, which began in September, ultimately saved this vintage. The Grand Vintage 2016 blend is composed of 48 per cent particularly vibrant chardonnay from this harvest, resulting in beautiful floral notes.
Tasting note 2: Toasted bread and hazelnut
According to the rules of Champagne Appellation, vintage champagnes must be aged for at least three years in the cellars. Moët & Chandon, however, matures its vintage champagnes for at least twice this duration, aiming to offer a more complex expression of its millésimes. Thanks to spending more than six years on lees in the cellars, the Grand Vintage 2016 showcases rich secondary notes, particularly toasted bread and hazelnuts.
Images: James Bort
Tasting note 3: Seductive palate
Among the three main grape varieties, meunier is commonly known to have the least ageing potential. However, its qualities allow for the crafting of round, supple champagnes. Staying true to its style, Moët & Chandon incorporates around 20 per cent meunier in its Grand Vintage champagnes. The result is a seductive palate that balances fullness, suppleness, and accessibility.
Tasting note 4: Bright fruitiness
Moët & Chandon practices non-oxidative oenology, respecting the innate potential of the grapes and the wines' ageing capabilities. By utilising stainless steel tanks to protect the wine from oxygen contact at every stage of its crafting, the Grand Vintage showcases a refreshing liveliness and creamy effervescence, highlighting its bright fruitiness.
Where to sip
The Moët & Chandon Bar at Harrods until the end of September.
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016
Visit moet.com
