Mot & Chandon Imperial 15L is a non-vintage brut Champagne presented in the monumental 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar format at 12% ABV. Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator, this iconic cuve draws from over 200 individual vineyard parcels across the Champagne appellation and remains one of the most recognized prestige-house wines in the world.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12% | Origin: Champagne, France | Style: Non-Vintage Brut | House: Mot & Chandon, pernay

Production & Heritage

Mot & Chandon was founded in 1743 in pernay, at the heart of the Champagne region. The Imperial cuve is produced using the traditional mthode champenoise, with secondary fermentation occurring inside the bottle. Its blend typically comprises 3040% Pinot Noir, 3040% Meunier, and 2030% Chardonnay, sourced from a selection of more than 200 parcels representing the finest terroirs in Champagne. Between 20% and 30% reserve wines from previous vintages are incorporated into the final assemblage, adding layers of intensity, richness, and batch-to-batch consistency. The 15L Nebuchadnezzar format equivalent to 20 standard bottles is reserved for the most spectacular occasions, and the larger liquid-to-air ratio inside the bottle is believed to contribute to slower, more graceful maturation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with vibrant green apple and citrus fruit before yielding to musky pear and toasty lees. A subtle grilled-nut undertone adds warmth and complexity.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is bright and mineral-driven, giving way to white-fleshed fruits pear, peach, and apple at mid-palate. Preserved lemon and Asian pear flavors build toward a fleshy, open-knit peak, carried by the alluring caress of fine, persistent bubbles.

Finish: The finish is moderately long with a clean, lightly chalky texture and a hint of bitter lemon pith that keeps things refreshing. Subtle mineral and yeast-bread notes linger gracefully.

How to Drink Mot Imperial

Serve well chilled between 810C (4650F) in tulip-shaped Champagne glasses to concentrate the aromatics while showcasing the steady bead. This cuve is versatile enough for both standalone sipping and mixed applications.

• Classic Champagne Cocktail: The Imperial’s toasty depth pairs naturally with a sugar cube and Angostura bitters, creating a balanced, elegant serve.
• French 75: Its citrus brightness and fine mousse integrate seamlessly with gin and fresh lemon juice.
• Bellini: The pear and peach character in the base wine harmonizes with white peach pure for a fruit-forward reception drink.

Best For

• Grand-scale celebrations such as weddings, galas, and milestone anniversaries
• Corporate events and product launches requiring a dramatic centerpiece
• Gifting to a serious Champagne collector who appreciates large-format bottles
• New Year’s Eve parties and other high-guest-count occasions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mot Imperial taste like? Mot Imperial delivers vibrant green apple, pear, and citrus fruit flavors underpinned by toasty lees and a mineral backbone. Fine, persistent bubbles give it a creamy yet refreshing texture.

How does Mot Imperial compare to Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label? Both are non-vintage brut Champagnes at similar price tiers and share comparable blends of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay. Mot Imperial tends toward brighter citrus and pear notes, while Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is often described as slightly richer and more biscuit-driven on the palate.

Is Mot Imperial good for large events? The 15L Nebuchadnezzar format holds the equivalent of 20 standard 750ml bottles, making it an ideal and visually stunning choice for large gatherings and celebrations.

Where is Mot Imperial made? Mot Imperial is produced by Champagne Mot & Chandon, headquartered in pernay in the Champagne region of northern France. The fruit is sourced from over 200 parcels spread across the appellation’s premier vineyard sites.

What foods pair well with Mot Imperial? Fresh oysters and shellfish complement the wine’s mineral spine. Smoked salmon and blini echo its toasty lees character. Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie de Meaux match its fleshy mid-palate. Sushi and sashimi align with the citrus brightness, and light canaps featuring goat cheese or shrimp make a natural reception pairing.

What sizes does Mot Imperial come in? Mot & Chandon Imperial is available in a range of formats from 187ml splits and standard 750ml bottles up through magnums (1.5L), Jeroboams (3L), Methuselahs (6L), and this 15L Nebuchadnezzar.

Is Mot Imperial worth the price? The 15L Nebuchadnezzar positions as a premium large-format Champagne. While the per-serving cost is higher than buying equivalent standard bottles, the format commands a premium for its rarity, visual impact, and the unique aging dynamics that larger bottles offer.

Why Mot Imperial?

The 15L Nebuchadnezzar is among the largest commercially available Champagne formats, and few houses produce it with the consistency Mot & Chandon achieves. Drawing on reserve wines that constitute up to 30% of the blend and fruit from more than 200 vineyard parcels, the Imperial cuve has earned 90-point scores from Wine Spectator, James Suckling, and Vinous Media alike. For sheer spectacle combined with reliably well-made Champagne, the Nebuchadnezzar format of Mot Imperial stands in a category almost entirely its own.