From Grape to Gift

Their names are legendary. Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Moët & Chandon, Ruinart, Dom Pérignon. Together, these iconic labels from Moët Hennessy define the champagne category, thanks to centuries of artistry and craftsmanship.

Champagne is synonymous with celebration, and no more so than during the holidays. Bubbly flows at holiday parties, loved ones exchange bottles for Christmas, and corks around the globe pop at midnight on New Year’s Eve. But what really goes into a bottle of champagne?

Everything starts with the grapes. Moët Hennessy owns more than 2,800 acres of vineyards in the Champagne region, and those grapes sourced from long-standing relationships with vignerons dating back centuries. These relationships ensure consistency and quality for decades to come.

Blending champagne is an art, and Moët Hennessy employs some of the top talent in the industry.

“Moët Hennessy’s collection of champagne houses boasts over a thousand years of collective winemaking experience, setting the bar high for luxury champagnes. Every step of the winemaking process, from grape to glass, has been refined over generations of winemakers. Our experience, tradition and longevity in the region ensures that we have the best possible selection of grapes for centuries to come.”
– Rodney Williams, EVP and CMO of Brands at Moët Hennessy USA

Every house has its own unique character and traditions.

“Winemaking involves more than simply knowing the right blend. There is an emergent property, a signature style, that must be present, something that cannot be forced or fabricated.”
– Benoit Gouez, Chef de Cave at Moët & Chandon

Deep into the earth below the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, France are the natural chalk caves where the Masion Moët & Chandon ages its wines. In this legendary subterranean labyrinth, the forces of nature have come together to create a uniquely ideal setting for the metamorphosis of choice fruit into the House’s luxurious wine. Select grapes undergo their transformation into champagne in conditions where the temperature and humidity levels are constant and unchanging. Over the centuries, the caves were continually expanded and today stretch for more than 17 miles. A few miles away, on the other side of the Montagne de Reims, Krug alone has 3.5 million bottles aging in the cellars, allowing its winemakers to often use older vintages in its blends.

Moët Hennessy offers a diverse range of champagnes for every occasion. Moët & Chandon blends are bright, fruity and have an elegant maturity. Veuve Clicquot is known for its classically styled, full-bodied champagne and its long aging. Non-vintage Veuve is aged for a minimum of 30 months, while vintages are aged a minimum of five years.

Dom Pérignon only produces its unique blends of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in their best years.

“Each vintage is constructed by the Chef de Cave with the goal of presenting a range of sensations on the palate that reflect the structure, aromas and singular characters of the vintage.”
– Richard Geoffroy, Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon says of the process of creating a vintage Dom Pérignon

Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest established house and a showcase for Chardonnay, whether in non-vintage Blanc de Blancs or vintage Dom Ruinart, which is aged for a minimum of 10 years. Krug offers a breathtaking range of champagnes, from its Grande Cuvée blend of more than 120 wines from ten or more different years to its vintage single parcels Clos du Mesnil and Clos d’Ambonnay.

However, tradition does not mean innovation ceases. Moët & Chandon is well known for its distinct innovations. Moët Ice Impérial is the first champagne intended to be enjoyed over ice, in large glasses that have been specially designed to reveal all of its subtlety. Earlier this year, the brand added Moët Ice Impérial Rosé to its roster of innovations. Working to change perceptions, Moët Hennessy believes all its champagnes should be served in a wine glass rather than a flute, allowing for the wine to breathe and for the aromas to fully express themselves.

Bartenders and restaurateurs have come to appreciate the versatility of the company’s champagnes. “The range of the Moët Hennessy champagne collection, varying in styles, taste profiles, and price points, make them enjoyable for all occasions, whether a milestone achievement or everyday enjoyment with family and friends,” says Williams. “The champagnes can also be paired with a wide selection of foods, from traditional pairings such Clicquot Yellow Label with guacamole, Krug Grande Cuvée with fried chicken and Ruinart Blanc de Blancs with sushi.”

From our friends at Moët Hennessy USA

With the holiday season around the corner, it’s time to indulge in that luxurious spirit sure to make a splash at any holiday party. Whether it’s a gift or for entertaining, a nice bottle of bubbly always makes a bold statement.

Moët & Chandon Festive Limited Edition

This bright and sparkling limited edition bottle of Moët Imperial Brut would be the perfect gift to delight friends, family, and guests during the holiday season, as it comes already dressed in a stunning golden Gift Box.

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Moët & Chandon Mini Brut & Mini Rosé

Individual serving-sized bottles that feature a gold matte finish and the brand’s classic neck-tie, these bottles are perfect for gifting colleagues and companions alike.

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The Krug Grande Cuvée Sharing Set

This shared set contains one bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée and two “Le Joseph” glasses specially designed by Riedel®. Unlike traditional champagne flutes, the pronounced curve represents a dazzling demonstration on craftsmanship to allow full appreciation of Krug’s vivacious bubbles and sublime aromas.

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Hennessy X.O Holiday Gift Pack

In this set, the iconic Hennessy X.O bottle is frosted in a nod to silvery holiday wonder, and features two Hennessy X.O glasses designed by Thomas Bastide, perfect to enjoy on ice.

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Limited Edition Rebecca Minkoff Chandon

This year, Chandon recruited Rebecca Minkoff to bring her playful chic, edgy style in its Brut bottle, creating two different options for holiday – fashionably bold in black, and casually chic in white – enticing you to pick the “Merry Whatever” Limited Edition bottle that matches your occasion or mood this season.