The history of Moët&Chandon
Some people love Moët & Chandon, others hate it… one thing is certain – no one remains indifferent.
Moët’s history dates back to 1743, when Claude Moët bought vineyards in Epernay. He immediately began producing sparkling wine, which was rare for winemakers at the time. The little-explored bubbles caused the bottles to explode from the excess carbon dioxide, and this was dangerous to health. But that didn’t stop Claude.
He had a knack for finding influential clients, and Moët’s first admirers were the French King Louis XV and the Marquise de Pompadour, who made sure this champagne was served at every event.
After Claude’s death, the management passed into the hands of his grandson Jean-Rémy Moët, who transformed the brand from a regional to an international one. Moët’s admirer became none other than Napoleon himself! The Emperor celebrated his victories with this champagne. He is credited with saying: “If I win, I deserve Moët & Chandon; if I lose, I need it”.
And by the way, the much-loved Moët Impérial, which is bought most often, was produced in 1869 to commemorate Jean-Rémy Moët’s meeting with Napoleon on the 100th anniversary of the former emperor’s birth.
In 1832. Jean-Rémy was succeeded by his son Victor and son-in-law Pierre-Gabriel Chandon. From that moment on, the family business was called Moët & Chandon. Champagne enters the English market. And if you don’t know, since 1892 Moët & Chandon has been the official supplier of champagne to the British Queen’s court. Queen Elizabeth was very fond of Moët!
In 1971, Moët & Chandon “merged” with Hennessy. Then (1987) also with Louis Vuitton, becoming the Louis Vuitton-Moët Hennessy holding company with huge profits. This allowed her extensive advertising to promote the products in the market.
Scarlett Johansson, Federer, Lady Gaga… just who doesn’t advertise Moët! So when you buy a bottle of Moët &Chandon, think about this. Champagne is associated with haute couture, cinema, sporting events – celebrities and billionaires drink it, and now it’s in your glass.
Tell me, does Moët champagne taste better now?
The Le Nez du Vin series can help you taste champagne too. Each set contains educational materials that will help you better understand the origins of the different aromas you experience. They tell the story of the wine, sparkling or not, from the moment the grapes are picked to the contents of your glass.