Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon began as Moët et Cie (meaning "Moët & Co."). The reign of King Louis XV coincided with an increased demand for sparkling wine. In response, Épernay wine trader Claude Moët in 1743, began shipping his wine from Champagne to Paris. The winery's clientele quickly grew to include nobles and aristocrats.
In 1833, the company was renamed Moët et Chandon after Pierre-Gabriel Chandon de Briailles, Remy Moët's son-in-law, joined the company as a partner of Jean-Remy Moët, Claude Moët's grandson.
Moët marketed its first vintage in 1842. Their best-selling brand, Brut Imperial, was introduced in the 1860s. Their best-known label, Dom Perignon, is named for the Benedictine monk remembered in legend as the "Father of Champagne".
Moët & Chandon merged with Hennessy Cognac in 1971 and with Louis Vuitton in 1987 to become LVMH (Louis-Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy), the largest luxury group in the world, netting over 16 billion euros in fiscal 2004. Moët & Chandon continues its royal status as it holds a royal warrant as supplier of champagne to Queen Elizabeth II.
