Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët and elevated to international renown by his descendant, Jean-Rémy Moët, who dreamt of “sharing the effervescence of Champagne with the world.” Today, Moët & Chandon launches Grand Vintage 2015, the Cellar Master’s creation charged with inspirations from that year.
For nearly three centuries, Moët & Chandon has been the champagne of choice to mark both significant events in history and personal celebrations, enhancing each toast with the spark of effervescence. From royal court to red carpet, Studio 54 to Grand Slams, Moët & Chandon has been bringing people together around thrilling, extraordinary moments.
There are certain years when the Cellar Master is so inspired, he allows himself to be more vulnerable to nature’s whimsy. This beautiful exception is a champagne first born in 1842, just before the House’s centennial celebration. On these days, the Cellar Master takes a risk, affording himself carte blanche - the liberty to interpret and craft the story of the year. Thus, each Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage is something so unique the world will only see it once.
2015 By Moët & Chandon: Ripe - Tender - Enveloping
A warm and dry year, a ripe and serene harvest, a tender and enveloping Champagne. Each Grand Vintage is unique, a free and personal interpretation of the year by Moët & Chandon's Cellar Master. The 76th vintage in the history of the House, Grand Vintage 2015 is distinctive for its brilliance, tender bouquet and enveloping palate. Grand Vintage 2015 evokes an awakening, the first rays of a day full of promise. It is bright, tender, and enveloping.
Weather conditions
Heat, sunshine and drought are the hallmarks of the year 2015 in Champagne. After a rather mild winter, the spring was one of contrast. It began with extreme cold, nevertheless without frost, abruptly followed by a long period of heat, drought and exceptional sunshine from mid-May to mid-August. Fortunately, the second half of August marked the end of the drought with the return of rain accompanied by a drop in temperature, which boosted the ripening process.
Harvesting
The harvest started on September 7 under a welcome sunshine and in a serene atmosphere, despite a heterogeneous progression of maturity due to the hydric stress. The harvest spanned 21 days between the earliest and latest vineyards. The juices flowed well, and maturity was good, with an average of 10.5% Vol of potential alcohol. Blend: Pinot Noir 44%, Chardonnay 32%, Meunier 24%.
Tasting Notes
• Bright lemon yellow, luminous reflections, fine bubbles.
• A tender and vegetal bouquet. The nose first expresses itself with restraint, subtly hinting at a soft and fresh white-green universe. Initial notes of breadcrumbs, fresh brioche and almond paste give way to elderflower and jasmine, then to fruit such as white peach and watermelon. Notes of garrigue at dawn complete the ensemble.
• A frank and enveloping palate, the attack on the mouth is direct and confident. The structure is generous, ample and supple, reminiscent of the cotton flower. The enveloping and caressing texture is accompanied by floral, aniseed and mentholated nuances which bring lightness and freshness for such a solar vintage. The finish lingers on a slightly sappy note, with a delicate bitterness evoking fresh almonds.
Wine & Food Pairing
A pairing with Grand Vintage 2015 begins with the choice of the main element - meat, fish, vegetable, etc. - which provides substance. The secondary ingredient should have vegetal and delicate notes to echo the Champagne's tenderness. Introduce a hint of bitterness to bring out the notes of fresh almonds on the finish. As always, finish by adjusting the salinity to underscore the flavors and highlight the dialogue between the dish and the Grand Vintage 2015. To find out more, visit Moët & Chandon’s Wine & Food Guide at Moët.com
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015 (RRP €85.20) is available from independent off licenses including O’Briens, Molloy’s, Mitchell & Son, Martin's, Joyces, Next Door, Joyce’s, World Wide Wines & The Wine Centre and in Brown Thomas, Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu and select grocery stores nationwide
Always drink responsibly
Slán go fóill.