Moët & Chandon Champagne Impérial Brut Milestones in gift box

Moët & Chandon makes Brut Impérial at Épernay as its flagship, offered here in a Milestones gift box marked with a celebratory message. The cuvée blends more than a hundred wines, using 20 to 30 per cent reserve wines for consistency and maturity, and combines Pinot Noir for body, Pinot Meunier for suppleness and fruit, and Chardonnay for finesse. It is made by the traditional method, with a second fermentation in bottle and ageing on the lees that builds the brioche and biscuit character. A dosage near 7 grams per litre places it in the Brut range, so it finishes dry and balanced.

The colour is a shimmering golden yellow with green highlights and a fine, lively bead. The nose shows green apple and citrus, with mineral nuances, white flowers and a ripe, bready tone of brioche and fresh nuts. The palate offers white-fleshed fruit such as pear, peach and apple, with fresh citrus and a hint of gooseberry. Serve chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a white wine glass. It makes a classic aperitif and pairs with seafood, sushi, fine starters and light fish.