Not all sparkling wines are created equal—and very few of them can claim to be in the coveted category of champagne. But Moët & Chandon’s storied heritage goes far beyond this title—the company has been dedicated to crafting quality champagne for nearly three centuries, making it one of the world’s foremost champagne producers.

To be considered a champagne, wine must be cultivated from grapes within the Champagne region of France, thanks to a 1927 law that mandates the rules of the appellation. Moët & Chandon boasts 1,190 hectares of vineyards in this region, making it one of the few champagne producers to grow its own grapes.

“The grandeur and richness of Moët & Chandon comes from both our lands and our know-how,” said Benoît Gouez, the in-house “chef de cave”or cellar master at Moët & Chandon since 2005.

Rooted in tradition, Moët & Chandon works with the seasonal grape harvest to collect the very best base for its champagne. It’s this philosophy of working alongside nature that offers the distinct taste that lovers of Moët & Chandon have come to expect. But keeping the taste consistent is hardly a simple task—each grape at harvest is never exactly the same in aroma or ripeness. By rigorously tweaking each blend, they are able to find the right balance to replicate the classic flavour—a process that Gouez believes sets Moët & Chandon apart from other winemakers.

“Our cuvées are consistent because we are constantly controlling, adjusting, and adapting,” said Gouez. “While an industrial producer will apply the same recipe year after year, we make champagne that is made-to-measure. Consistency is the expression of our fidelity to the client.”

This holiday season, Torontonians can experience the dedication behind each bottle, as the magic of Moët & Chandon will be front and centre at Holt Renfrew for a tasting pop-up, in collaboration with the LCBO. Guests will be able to take part in a refined tasting experience, discovering the unique flavours of Moët & Chandon’s Brut Impérial and Brut Rosé. Personalized gift wrapping will also be available, providing customers with an exemplary gift for any loved one.

Moët Brut Impérial has been the signature champagne of the company since the 18th century, fitting for any celebratory occasion. Designed to be the perfect representation of the vineyards of Champagne, Moët Brut Impérial bears the imprint of the terroir, promising a classic and traditional-tasting champagne. Both the Brut Impérial and Brut Rosé possess a light, dazzling mousse that will impress any lover of sparkling wine.

Though rosé is not the first variety that comes to mind when one thinks of Moët & Chandon, the company has an equally long history of developing these wines—Napoleon Bonaparte and his mother Letizia are said to have ordered 100 bottles of rosé from Jean-Rémy Moët in 1801. Over the last two centuries Moët & Chandon has returned to these blends to delight their customers, culminating in the refined recipe of the Brut Rosé.

Through the guided tasting at Holt Renfrew, customers will learn the ideal food pairings for the Brut Impérial and Brut Rosé—savoury dishes are key for the Brut Impérial, while you may wish to save the Brut Rosé for summertime, pairing with dishes that feature tomato and olive oil.

The Toronto pop-up will be open from November 16th to December 31st.

Photo courtesy of Moët & Chandon.