The Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut 2016 is a prestigious champagne that represents the 77th vintage release from this legendary Champagne house, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and terroir expression. This sophisticated blend comprises 34% Pinot Noir, 48% Chardonnay, and 18% Pinot Meunier, meticulously aged for six years on lees before disgorgement to develop remarkable complexity. The champagne displays a beautiful golden-yellow hue with lively green highlights, offering an elegant bouquet of toasted brioche, hazelnut, citrus, and almond notes, complemented by subtle hints of gingerbread and orange blossom. On the palate, this extra brut expression delivers a smooth, round mouthfeel with remarkable structure and tension, featuring persistent flavors of plum, mirabelle, quince, and a mineral-driven finish that evokes serenity and sophistication. With its low dosage of 6 grams per liter and 12.5% ABV, this vintage champagne exemplifies Cellar Master Benoît Gouez's masterful interpretation of the 2016 harvest, making it an ideal choice for connoisseurs seeking an authentic, premium champagne experience that perfectly balances power, elegance, and finesse.
Process & Profile
Moët & Chandon Extra Brut Grand Vintage 2016 is a meticulously crafted blend of 34% Pinot Noir, 48% Chardonnay, and 18% Pinot Meunier, selected from the finest vineyards of Champagne. Each grape varietal brings its own character: Pinot Noir for structure, Chardonnay for elegance, and Pinot Meunier for roundness. The wine was aged for an impressive six years on the lees before disgorgement, allowing for a remarkable development of complexity and finesse. With a low dosage of just 6 grams of sugar per liter, this Extra Brut Champagne is both vibrant and refined, offering a sophisticated balance between richness and freshness.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: A beautiful, slightly golden yellow hue with lively green highlights.
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Aroma: The nose reveals dry, earthy notes of toasted bread, grains, and hazelnut, evolving into subtle hints of gingerbread, marzipan, and barley sugar. Fruity and floral aromas of plum, mirabelle, quince, orange blossom, and aniseed emerge as the wine opens.
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Palate: The Champagne is smooth and round, with a serene mouthfeel and a supple, structured core. Layers of baked bread, hazelnut, orange blossom, and fine minerality are framed by superb tension and a crystalline finish, where the sweetness and tanginess of clementine or pomelo linger.
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Finish: Persistent, fruity, and floral, with a refreshing balance between sweetness and tanginess for a memorable conclusion.
What Makes It Special
Moët & Chandon’s
Grand Vintage series is distinguished by its rarity—each cuvée is produced only in exceptional years, making the 2016 release the 77th in the House’s storied history. The Extra Brut style, with minimal dosage, appeals to those seeking a drier, more complex Champagne experience. The extended aging process creates a Champagne that is both powerful and elegant, with a unique personality shaped by the distinctive character of the 2016 vintage. This is a collector’s bottle for true connoisseurs—a symbol of prestige, tradition, and innovation in every glass.
How to Enjoy
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Serving Temperature: Serve chilled at 8–10°C to highlight its vibrant aromas and crisp palate.
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Glassware: Opt for a classic Champagne flute or tulip-shaped glass to enhance the effervescence and bouquet.
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Food Pairing: Complement its toasty, nutty notes and citrusy finish with seafood and shellfish, creamy cheeses, poultry dishes, or lightly spiced appetizers. For a sophisticated pairing, try with fresh oysters or smoked salmon.
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When to Drink: Enjoy now for its youthful freshness or cellar for several years to allow further aromatic and textural development.
Moët & Chandon Extra Brut Grand Vintage 2016 is a testament to the House’s mastery—offering elegance, complexity, and pleasure in every sip. Whether marking a special occasion or elevating everyday moments, this Champagne delivers a truly memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
34% Pinot Noir, 48% Chardonnay, and 18% Meunier
, highlighting a complex and balanced profile. How long is this Champagne aged? It is
aged for six years prior to disgorgement
, which contributes to its complexity and refined character. What aromas and flavors can I expect? You can expect
layered aromas and flavors
of baked bread, hazelnut, orange blossoms, and fine minerality, all framed by superb structure and elegant tension. How much sugar does it contain? This cuvée is labeled
Extra Brut
and contains approximately
6 grams of sugar per liter
, making it drier than standard Brut Champagnes. What is the alcohol content? Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut Champagne 2016 has
12% alcohol by volume
. Is this Champagne vintage or non-vintage? This is a
vintage Champagne
, meaning all grapes used are harvested from the same year—
2016
—and the bottle is the 77th grand vintage released by Moët & Chandon. Where is this Champagne produced? It is produced in
Champagne, France
by Moët & Chandon, a renowned Champagne house. How does Extra Brut differ from Brut?
Extra Brut
Champagnes have
lower dosage (sugar added)
after the second fermentation compared to Brut, resulting in a more crisp, dry profile that accentuates purity and minerality. What foods pair well with this Champagne? Its complexity and dryness make it ideal for pairing with
seafood, shellfish, poultry, creamy cheeses, and dishes featuring toasted nuts or citrus notes
. Is Moët & Chandon part of a larger luxury group? Yes, Moët & Chandon is part of
Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH)
, one of the world’s largest luxury conglomerates.