Collection Impériale Création No. 1: an expression of Moët & Chandon’s founding approach.
To mark its 280th anniversary, Moët & Chandon has released an exceptional champagne cuvée that embodies its “Haute Oenologie” vision. Collection Impériale Création No. 1 is an assemblage of three grape varieties around seven vintages. Each has been carefully selected and nurtured in distinct environments to elevate its individual qualities.
Collection Impériale Création No. 1: Moët & Chandon‘s “Haute Oenologie” Masterpiece
In the realm of champagne, where tradition meets innovation, Moët & Chandon has stood the test of time as a venerable icon of excellence. To commemorate its 280th anniversary, the Maison has unveiled a remarkable champagne cuvée that encapsulates its “Haute Oenologie” vision. Collection Impériale Création No. 1 is a masterpiece that transcends time, blending three grape varieties across seven distinct vintages, each meticulously nurtured in unique environments to enhance its intrinsic qualities.
“Haute Oenologie” – Elevating the Art of Winemaking
Moët & Chandon’s “Haute Oenologie” philosophy is a celebration of the art and science of winemaking taken to its highest form. This concept revolves around the idea that crafting exceptional champagne is not merely a process; it’s an art form. The term “Haute Oenologie” reflects the brand’s commitment to the meticulous selection of grapes, the dedication to nurturing each vineyard plot, and the artistry of blending, all executed with a profound respect for the natural world and time itself.
Collection Impériale Création No. 1: A Symphony of Seven Vintages
At the heart of this visionary approach lies Collection Impériale Création No. 1. This extraordinary champagne cuvée is the result of combining three grape varieties from seven different vintages, artfully selected and lovingly cultivated in unique terroirs. By honoring the essence of each vintage, Moët & Chandon’s cellar master, Benoît Gouez, has crafted a champagne that encapsulates the very spirit of time itself. Each bottle is a symphony of flavors, an expression of the history of Moët & Chandon, and a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Artistry Meets Tradition: The Daniel Arsham Collaboration
To further commemorate their 280th anniversary, Moët & Chandon embarked on a unique collaboration with contemporary American artist Daniel Arsham. A visionary in his own right, Arsham visited the Maison’s estate in Epernay, where he drew inspiration from a stained glass window designed by Félix Gaudin, an adornment that has graced the entrance to Moët & Chandon’s cellars since the late 1890s.
Arsham’s creative journey culminated in a three-meter-long sculptural masterpiece that will find a permanent home in the Galerie Impériale, a testament to the enduring marriage of art and tradition. In addition to this, the artist has also conceived 85 limited-edition bottles, each a work of art in itself. These bottles, adorned entirely in white, pay homage to Arsham’s sculptural design, subtly echoing elements of the iconic Château de Saran, a property owned by Moët & Chandon since 1801.
Benoît Gouez, the cellar master at Moët & Chandon, perfectly encapsulates the essence of Collection Impériale Création No. 1, stating, “We created Collection Impériale Création No. 1 as a champagne crafted for eternity. It’s precisely our relationship with time – the time needed to grow, select, and mature champagne – that makes Daniel Arsham such an inspired choice for this collaboration. Daniel’s unique take on Moët & Chandon’s heritage beautifully captures the essence of our history and our craft.”
As for the price of this exceptional champagne cuvée, it is expected to be reflective of the artistry, craftsmanship, and timeless quality that defines Moët & Chandon. While specific pricing may vary based on regions and availability, Collection Impériale Création No. 1 is undoubtedly an investment in an unparalleled experience that transcends time and celebrates the true essence of “Haute Oenologie.” For those fortunate enough to savor this remarkable creation, it will be an encounter with the finest traditions of champagne-making and the boundless possibilities of the art form.