Five Questions With A Champagne Expert

October 7, 2021

Ahead of Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day at Royal Randwick this Saturday, we caught up with a Moët & Chandon Champagne expert, to give you all the tips for how to enjoy Champagne Racing at home.

1. What does a champagne expert do?

In the words of of Jean-Remy Moët, I have the pleasure to ‘Share the Magic of Champagne with the World’  from creating incredible experiences and ways to interact with our Maison, to educating about the incredible Champagne terroir and the rich heritage of our incredible Champagne Houses. Amongst the beautiful Champagne houses, I’m privileged to work with, Moët & Chandon is, of course, a favourite, as one of the most exciting, beloved Champagne brands worldwide for over 270 years – in fact, a Moët & Chandon cork pops every second around the world! Moët & Chandon in particular is all about celebrations shared together, and for me, this is the essence of what Champagne is all about.

Champagne terroir is a French term used to describe the environmental factors that affect a crop’s character, including unique environment contexts, farming practices and a crop’s specific growth habitat.

2.What is the favourite thing about your career?

Bringing to life the essence of our storied Champagne Houses through new and modern experiences, continuing the legacy of these incredible brands.

3. What’s the perfect champagne to enjoy on a spring race day?

Whilst I personally believe all Moët & Chandon Champagnes are perfect for spring racing, particularly in Magnum, it’s very hard to go past the Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. The cuvee is a spontaneous, radiant, romantic expression of the Moët & Chandon style, a style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity. Contrary to belief, Moët & Chandon Rosé is not sweet, and it’s dry, lively, refreshing palette makes it a perfect accompaniment to a successful, exciting, electric day at the races.

4. if a racegoer wanting to make a champagne cocktail at home, what would you recommend?

There’s a reason classics are classics, and for that reason, I would recommend a beautifully chilled French 75, with Hennessy VS instead of Gin if you’re looking for a twist!

Ingredients:

• 35ml Hennessy VS
• 25ml Lemon Juice
• 25ml Sugar Syrup
• Topped with Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne

Method:

Add ingredients into an ice-filled shaker (not the Champagne, that comes last) shake for 10-12 seconds. Fine strain into a pre-chilled flute and top up with Champagne

5. Why is champagne the perfect drink to celebrate racing/ why is champagne synonymous with racing?

Moët & Chandon is all about success, glamour, generosity, excitement, and above all celebration. There is no doubt racing at the ATC embodies all of these things,  making it a perfect occasion (and excuse!) to celebrate and elevate your day at the races.

Bonus: If you were a racehorse, what would you be called?

Whilst there are not a lot of things in Champagne that are fast (our Champagnes develop in our cellars for at least 24 months!), I thought ‘Champagne Cork’ might be a fun one, as they explode out of the bottle at speeds of more than 40km/h (that’s why you need to be so careful when opening!)

Click here to find out how you can win Moët & Chandon gift pack, worth $150.

Catch all the action from Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, and view tips on how to celebrate here.