Moët & Chandon, the world-renowned champagne house, is thrilled to announce the continuation of its collaboration with the two Michelin-starred restaurant Colette – De Vijvers in Averbode, led by acclaimed Chef Thijs Vervloet. Building on the success of last year’s partnership, Moët & Chandon hosted last 14th of October an exclusive 4-hands dinner featuring the culinary creations of Moët & Chandon’s executive chef Jean-Michel Bardet, alongside Chef Vervloet. The extraordinary gastronomic event introduced a unique menu, with one lobster ‘salpicon’ dish remaining on the Colette – De Vijvers menu through the end of 2024, paired with the Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage.
A remarkable collaboration of culinary titans
Chef Jean-Michel Bardet, a visionary in the culinary world, reunited with Chef Thijs Vervloet to craft a menu in perfect harmony with the refined character of Moët & Chandon’s new Vintage Champagnes. Chef Bardet, who earned his most recent Michelin star in 2021 and whose illustrious career spans Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and private clubs worldwide, is celebrated for his innovative approach to pairing champagne with food. His philosophy centers on enhancing the natural qualities of Moët & Chandon’s champagnes by creating dishes that are both inventive and delectable.
Introduction To The New Vintage Champagnes
The spotlight of this collaboration shines on Moët & Chandon’s latest Vintage Champagnes, embodying the house’s commitment to craftsmanship and the art of champagne-making. Each Vintage Champagne serves as a testament to the exceptional quality of a single year’s harvest, offering a glimpse into the unique conditions that shaped the grapes of that vintage.
1. Grand Vintage 2016: Serenity After the Storm
The 2016 vintage is characterized by its graceful and serene nature, stemming from a year marked by challenging weather conditions. An unusually wet winter, an extremely rainy spring, and unexpected drought in the summer shaped this exceptional champagne. Despite these setbacks, the result is a masterpiece of balance and elegance. Composed of 48% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir, and 18% Pinot Meunier, this extra brut champagne (dosage of 6 g/liter) exhibits a lively golden hue with green reflections. Aromas of toasted bread, hazelnut, and gingerbread evolve into floral notes of plum, orange blossom, and anise, making it an ideal pairing for tender game or delicate fish dishes.
2. Grand Vintage Rosé 2016: A Symphony of Elegance
The Grand Vintage Rosé 2016 is equally refined, presenting a harmonious blend of 43% Pinot Noir (including 13% macerated Pinot Noir red wine), 42% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier with a low dosage of 5 g/liter. Its light pink color with bluish reflections indicates a delicate and elegant structure. The nose greets you with late-summer fruits such as raspberries and strawberries, followed by floral notes of rose, hibiscus, and violets, with nuances of gingerbread and cocoa powder. The palate is smooth, featuring a silky finish that pairs beautifully with dishes like lobster, enhanced by floral flavors and a hint of citrus.
3. Grand Vintage Collection 2009: The Charisma of Ripeness
Aged for 14 years, the Grand Vintage Collection 2009 emerges as a champagne of great maturity and charisma. This blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 14% Pinot Meunier, with a dosage of 5 g/liter, is rich and enveloping, offering aromas of toasted brioche, caramelized pineapple, and apricot tart with a peppery finish. The long aging process has imparted deep complexity, making it an excellent match for surf-and-turf dishes such as Iberico ham and calamari, where the champagne’s intricacies shine.
4. Grand Vintage Collection 2000: The Paradox of Opulence
The Grand Vintage Collection 2000 combines bold brilliance with a light touch, representing Moët & Chandon’s 67th Grand Vintage. With a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir, and 16% Pinot Meunier, this champagne was disgorged in 2015 and further aged for nine years. It opens with powerful notes of roasted almond and hazelnut, followed by fresher nuances of grapefruit and jasmine. The taste is rich and creamy with a vibrant finish, making it an ideal pairing for complex dishes such as hearty fish with root vegetables and fruity elements like apricot and fig.
An Invitation to Savor the Extraordinary
Moët & Chandon invites champagne enthusiasts and food connoisseurs to join in this celebration of culinary and oenological excellence. One dish will remain on the menu at Colette – De Vijvers until the end of 2024, perfectly paired with the Grand Vintage, offering a journey into the heart of refined gastronomy and exquisite champagne combinations. The coincidence is that this dish turned out to be the tastiest of the entire menu we tasted and a perfect match with the Grand Vintage champagne.