A Stylish Champagne

Based in Epernay, Marie-Christine Osselin is an integral part of the Moët & Chandon team. Osselin was in India in May to promote Moët Ice Impérial, a champagne designed to be drunk with ice. Here, she shares her insights with Sommelier India

- Reva K. Singh

How did Moët & Chandon decide on so ground breaking an idea as to produce a champagne to be drunk with ice?

Several years ago at Moët &Chandon we saw that people were drinking champagne on ice (also known as a Piscine), particularly in summertime hotspots such as Saint Tropez. While this is a chic way to refresh yourself in the summer, drinking brut champagne over ice dilutes the wine and breaks its balance. Hence, we decided to create a champagne for these summer, daytime “Moët moments” that would be made specifically to drink on ice. In 2011, we introduced Moët Ice Impérial, which revolutionized the champagne world, and also reflected Moët & Chandon’s pioneering spirit.

How did you test the market and which segment are you targeting? How do you plan to capture that market in India?

In the highly competitive champagne industry of which Moët &Chandon is a leader, we cannot disclose our production or business strategy.