Moët et Chandon’s, long history dates back to 1743 when a wine trader by the name of Claude Moët began selling Champagne; first to France, and later across Europe. As the company’s fortunes increased, so vineyard acquisitions were made. In 1792 these included the vineyards of the Abbey de Hautvillers, where a certain Benedictine Monk had spent a number of years improving Champagne winemaking techniques. It wasn’t until 1842 that Moet marketed its first vintage, taking things one step further in 1921 with the first release under the ultra-prestige Dom Perignon label. A fitting tribute, albeit 150 odd years late, to the monk who had dedicated so many years to the understanding of Champagne excellence. The quality of Champagne released under the Dom Perignon label has seldom been in doubt, only produced as a vintage cuvee and only in vintages deemed high enough quality. The 2004 vintage marks the 40th release since 1921. In 1959 a vintage Rose was added to the range, and more recently the house has begun releasing the spellbinding late disgorged Oenotheque wines.