Moet and Chandon launches Moet Ice Imperial to UK on trade

Moet and Chandon is to release a champagne which is to be served over ice in a bid to bring new drinkers to the category. Though it was launched last year it is set to be sold only to on-trade accounts in London and Bournemouth in a bid to tap into the sailing market. It is also due to sponsor The Boat Race.

Moet cellar master Benoit Gouez told Harpers Magazine that developments have been taking place for over four years to try and make the champagne balance the effects of ice in the blend.

Moët plan a Chinese invasion

Moët Hennessey, owners of Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug and others, are set to plant vineyards in China in a bid to cash in on the growing demand to luxury fizz in the East. It has come very apparent that China is to grow, over the next few years, into one of the largest consumers of wine in the world. It has already over taken the UK as the largest export market for Bordeaux wines and demand for other styles, including sparkling is growing too.

Moët, with a Chinese state owned agricultural group, plan to plant their first 66 Hectare plot in the remote region of Ningxia Hui, not far from Inner Mongolia. This is believed to have relatively similar conditions to the champagne region with the Yellow river replacing the Marne. They will vinify the wine in a brand new winery near the vineyard.

 

The sparkling wine is to be sold under the Chandon label which already wine wines made in Australia, California, Brazil and Argentina (Mendoza).

Moët also own Green Point from Australia and Cloudy Bay’s Pelorus in New Zealand.

Christmas Sparkle - Champagne

I don't think it's too early to start talking about Christmas and it is definitely not too early to start taking advantage of all the great wine deals currently out. It's one of those times of year that you can splash out a bit and treat yourself to some champagne. There have been some CRAZY deals recently. Morrisons have just finished a special on Taittinger for £16 a bottle which sold out in a couple of days. Here are my favourite current deals:

Moët and Chandon Brut Imperial NV - Buy 2 for £30 in Asda

I don't confess to being the biggest Moët fan in the world, but at £15 a bottle it is a complete bargain. The extremely long winded way in which champagne is made means that it is expensive by nature to make and therefore costs a lot to buy on the shelves. Moët is made out of a high proportion of Premier Cru and Grand Cru grapes (the better ones) and is one of the more approachable styles of the bigger champagne houses. It's worth mentioning that Majestic are also selling this at a very reasonable price of £24 a bottle until 29th November. It isn't too dry and has a refreshing fruit focus, but still has the distinctive yeasty champagne character. It is also incredibly versatile and brings a great sense of occasion to any party or event. This champagne would make an interesting accompaniment to your Turkey dinner on Christmas day.

Taittinger Brut Reserve NV - £16.99 in Tesco until Monday 28th November

This is a lot of champagne for your money. Taittinger is one of my favourite champagne houses and is one of the few famous houses which is still family owned. The Taittinger family own a large share of their own vineyards and as a result of this, can control all aspects of quality, from grape to bottle. The style has always had a high proportion of Chardonnay in the blend, which keeps it light and fragrant, and the longer than average bottle aging gives it subtle, toasty notes. Interestingly, this was James Bond's favourite champagne in the books; his love for Bollinger did not appear until they started making James Bond films.

Mumm Cordon Rouge NV - £14.99 in Tesco until Monday 28th November

Another Tesco deal. They are really going for it this week. Mumm is famous for sponsoring the F1; it seems such a waste to see Jenson spraying this all over the place because its great champagne. This is a bit more full bodied than the previous two champagnes. It has a higher concentration of Pinot Noir which gives it plenty of body and fresh red fruits on the pallet. This would be a great champagne for desserts such as trifle and Fruits of the Forest.