Moët & Chandon
The world’s largest champagne house, based in Épernay since 1743, and the bottle that appears at almost every celebration. What’s in Brut Impérial, how the other bottles differ, and which glass to serve it in.
The house that brought champagne to the world
Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët in Épernay, in the heart of the Champagne region. The house rose to prominence under his grandson Jean-Remy Moët, who became known towards the end of the eighteenth century as the man who introduced champagne to the world. His early customers included the Marquise de Pompadour, Talleyrand and Napoleon. Brut Impérial has been the flagship since 1869, and today it is the world’s best-selling champagne.
What’s in the bottle is a blend of the three classic grapes. Brut Impérial contains 30 to 40 percent pinot noir, just as much meunier, and 20 to 30 percent chardonnay. The region’s limestone-rich soil, temperate climate and cool nights give the grapes the finesse the house relies on. Every bottle in the range is 12.5%, from the entry-level bottle to the vintage champagne.
In brief
Five bottles from the same house
All 12.5%, but the dosage and grape blend vary considerably. That determines whether a bottle belongs with the aperitif or dessert.
Brut Impérial
Straw-colored with green accents, with green apple, citrus, and brioche. Juicy white fruit on the palate and fine bubbles.
Rosé Impérial
Radiant pink, with wild strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, notes of rose, and a light peppery accent.
Nectar Impérial
The house's sweet champagne, with 40 to 45 grams of sugar per liter. Pineapple, grapefruit, apricot, and a hint of vanilla.
Grand Vintage 2016
Vintage champagne made from 44% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and 24% Meunier, aged for six years and with just 5 grams of residual sugar.
Ice Impérial
Made to be poured over ice cubes. Mango, guava, and nectarine, balanced with caramel and quince.
Our champagne page explains exactly what brut, extra brut, and demi-sec mean, along with the grams of sugar.
Green apple, citrus, and brioche
Apple & citrus
Green apple and citrus fruit, with mineral nuances and white flowers, underpinned by ripe notes of brioche and fresh grain.
Juicy and subtle
Generous yet subtle: pear, peach, and apple, with citrus and a hint of blackcurrant. The bubbles are fine and linger for a long time.
Fresh and elegant
A fresh, dry finish with citrus. Exactly why this bottle works just as well with oysters as it does for a toast.
Brut Impérial flavor profile. Nectar Impérial, with 40 to 45 grams of sugar, is much sweeter; Grand Vintage is drier.
Three ways to serve Moët
Chill the bottle to 8 to 10 degrees and turn the bottle, not the cork, when opening. Then the cork comes out with a sigh, and the bubbles stay where they belong.
Neat as an aperitif
Pour along the side of a tilted glass and fill it about two-thirds full. A 75 cl bottle makes about five glasses. Brut Impérial pairs well with shellfish, sushi with scallops or tuna tartare.
Glass: flute or tulip →Ice Impérial on ice
This bottle is made for exactly that: chill it to about 8 degrees, pour 12 cl into a large wine glass and add three ice cubes. This intentionally dilutes the champagne and keeps it cold for a long time on a terrace.
More about champagne →In a cocktail
Kir Royal, Mimosa and French 75 work perfectly well with a brut. Don't use your most expensive bottle: the cassis, orange juice or gin will set the tone anyway. A standard Brut Impérial is more than enough.
Go to cocktails →The best cocktails with Moët & Chandon
Kir Royal
Crème de cassis in the bottom, topped up with champagne. It doesn't get simpler than that.
Mimosa
Equal parts orange juice and bubbles, with a splash of Cointreau.
French 75
Gin, lemon and syrup shaken, then topped up with champagne.
Bellini
Peach purée with bubbles. Classic with prosecco, sharper with champagne.The right glass for Moët & Chandon
A flute for toasting, a tulip glass for nosing the aromas, and a large wine glass for Ice Impérial. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything else you wanted to know about Moët & Chandon
Didn't find your question here? Browse our cocktail recipes or get in touch.
Go to the cocktail recipes →What percentage alcohol is in Moët & Chandon?
Which grapes are in Brut Impérial?
What's the difference between Brut Impérial and Nectar Impérial?
Why do you drink Ice Impérial with ice?
Which glass is best to use?
How many glasses does a bottle make?
Buy Moët & Chandon
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Moët & Chandon online from Gall & Gall. Gall & Gall has 26 of them.
Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial
Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial Brut
Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial
Prices as of November 6, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; it costs you nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.
