Moet & Chandon Imperial 187ML

Moët & Chandon Imperial 187ML is a single-serve split of the iconic brut Champagne from Épernay, bottled at 12% ABV. Rated 91 points by Wine Spectator, this quarter-bottle format delivers the same multi-cru complexity as the full-size expression in a convenient personal pour.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: Épernay, Champagne, France  |  Style: Brut NV  |  Producer: Moët & Chandon

Production & Heritage

Moët & Chandon, founded in 1743 in Épernay, is one of the world's largest and most recognized Champagne houses, now part of the LVMH portfolio. Imperial is produced using the traditional méthode champenoise, blending Pinot Noir (30–40%), Pinot Meunier (30–40%), and Chardonnay (20–30%) sourced from nearly 280 different crus across the Champagne appellation. The final blend incorporates over 100 individual wines, with 20–30% reserve wines folded in to maintain the house's signature consistency and depth vintage after vintage.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Green apple and citrus lead the nose, followed by warm brioche and delicate white floral notes. A mineral freshness lifts the bouquet and keeps it bright.

Taste: The entry is vivid with green apple and preserved lemon, giving way to a mid-palate of poached pear and peach. Subtle toasty undertones and an almond madeleine quality add richness, while a streak of smoke-tinged minerality runs beneath the fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering anise and lemon zest. A fine, persistent mousse carries the mineral and brioche character through to the close.

How to Drink Moët Imperial

The 187ml split is designed for immediate, chilled enjoyment — straight from the bottle with the included mini-flute or poured into a proper Champagne glass. Its brut profile and balanced acidity also make it a strong cocktail base.

• French 75: The citrus and brioche backbone pairs naturally with gin and lemon juice in this classic sparkling cocktail.
• Champagne Cocktail: A sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and a lemon twist play off Imperial's toasty reserve-wine depth.
• Kir Royale: A dash of crème de cassis contrasts the wine's green apple brightness for a simple, elegant apéritif.

Best For

• Personal celebrations — toasting a promotion, birthday, or milestone without opening a full bottle
• Picnics, rooftop gatherings, or outdoor events where portability matters
• Hotel-room welcome gifts or luxury hamper additions
• Sampling Champagne before committing to a full 750ml purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Moët Imperial taste like? Moët Imperial delivers vibrant green apple and citrus up front, transitioning into poached pear, brioche, and a subtle smoky minerality. It finishes with medium length and fine, persistent bubbles.

How does Moët Imperial compare to Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label? Both are flagship brut NV Champagnes at similar price points; Veuve Clicquot tends toward a richer, more biscuit-driven profile, while Moët Imperial leans brighter and more citrus-forward. Wine Spectator scored Moët Imperial at 91 points, and both houses are frequently cited as direct competitors in the prestige NV category.

Is Moët Imperial good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced acidity, fine mousse, and layered fruit-and-brioche profile make it thoroughly enjoyable as a standalone pour, especially when well chilled to around 8–10°C (46–50°F).

Where is Moët Imperial made? Moët Imperial is produced at the Moët & Chandon estate in Épernay, in the heart of France's Champagne region. Grapes are sourced from nearly 280 crus spread across the appellation's key sub-regions, including the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs.

What foods pair well with Moët Imperial? Fresh oysters and shellfish match its mineral acidity. Smoked salmon blintzes echo the wine's toasty depth. Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie de Meaux complement its brioche notes. Light sushi — particularly yellowtail or fluke — works with the citrus brightness. Salted almonds mirror the madeleine undertone on the mid-palate.

What sizes does Moët Imperial come in? Moët & Chandon Imperial is widely available in 187ml (split), 375ml (half-bottle), 750ml (standard), 1.5L (magnum), and larger ceremonial formats including the 3L Jeroboam.

Is Moët Imperial worth the price? Moët Imperial positions as an accessible entry point to prestige Champagne, and the 187ml split format carries a modest per-unit premium for its convenience. With consistent critical scores in the 88–91 point range from major publications, it represents solid value within the branded NV Champagne tier.

Why Moët Imperial?

The 187ml split distills one of Champagne's most complex blending programs — over 100 component wines from 280 crus — into a single-serve format without sacrificing quality. A 91-point Wine Spectator rating and 90-point scores from both Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling confirm that the house style translates faithfully at this size. Few Champagne producers offer this level of sourcing breadth and reserve-wine depth at any volume, let alone in a quarter-bottle. For anyone who wants genuine, méthode champenoise Champagne in a portable, no-waste format, Imperial 187ml is the benchmark.