Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial is My Kind of Champagne 

I love Champagne so damn much. That’s not to throw shade at often-superb bubblies like Prosecco and Cava, but I truly believe there’s a reason Champagne costs as much as it does. And if you’ve ever felt that deep craving that only French effervescence can satisfy, you’ve probably considered a bottle of Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial.

Founded in 1743, Moët remains one of the largest and most prmominent Champagne houses in the world (and part of the largest luxury brand — LVHM — named for Louis Vuitton, Hennessy and Moët, its flagships). It produces brands like the hyper-revered (by me) Dom Perignon, and the California-based Domanaine Chandon. But, if you’re casually browsing the bubbly aisle at your local liquor store its Moët’s Brut Imperial you’ve probably encountered most often.

It’s actually shocking how long it’s taken me to review this one. I seem to have cleaned all the usual suspects out from around it (and some less usual ones too), but it wasn’t until a trip to France called for a popped cork that I finally had my chance. And boy howdy — I’m glad that chance came. Here’s what I thought:

Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne Review

To be honest, my hopes wern’t that high. This price point (~$80 CAD at the time of writing) is generally pretty solid, but with few standouts (Pol Roger being a notable exception). Even Laurent Perrier — which is great — kinda just shows up and delivers exactly what you want from a Champagne, but with zero razzmatazz. Moët Brut Imperial absolutely shatters that mould.

It pours a shy pale straw, with little bubbles that don’t foam overly agressively (especially when poured into a red wine glass, the only vessel I had available). The nose is where things take off — it was lush. So fruity and (I know this is a texture, not a flavour but) downright creamy! Felt like I was about to dive into a rich parfait with apricot and citrus fruit, with just a hint of funk and fresh soil to remind you you’re having a fermented beverage.

The texture of Moët Brut Imperial is superb. A relatively tame effervescence massages your mouth, and ferries the medium-bodied Champagne to your tastebuds. There’s the stonefruit from the nose, but big notes of sweet bread, a kiss of pear and a lovely floral underpinning join the party. For a brut, I found Moët to be on the sweeter side, but I actually thought it worked really well with everything else going on. The finish didn’t overstay its welcome, and a yeastiness faded to a green apple tartness. Put it this way — Christine, an outspoked Prosecco-prefferer asked for a second glass!

I love Moët Brut Imperial. Is that basic as hell? Yes. But if I’m gonna 10/10 a weirdo like Krug, I need to be reminded what coming down to Earth feels like, and Moët is just the ticket (or a POP as the charming Sparkling Winos describe it). In France or elsewhere, this is definitely a Champagne worth sipping slow.