Champagne is a sparkling wine that, to be classified as champagne, must be produced in the Champagne wine region of France.
Other qualifications include sourcing grapes from specifically designated areas within the region, particular grape-pressing methods, and fermenting the wine twice to create the carbonation the beverage is known for.
Deciding between champagne brands can be difficult as there are so many available on the market. The two champagne brands we are looking at are Dom Perignon vs Moet & Chandon.
This article will hopefully help you decide between the brands the next time you are looking to celebrate a special occasion.
Dom Perignon Vs Moet Champagne
Dom Perignon was established in 1921 although the brand’s first sale was only in 1936. This is because the brand prides itself on only selling champagne that has been aged for at least 9 years which also explains why there are some years the brand does not release a champagne bottle.
It was named after a Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, who was a cellar based at the Benedictine abbey in Hautvillers. Many winemaking techniques during the 1600s were pioneered by Pérignon including the method of blending grapes to improve the quality of wines.
Moët & Chandon is also known as Moët and is a co-owner of the luxury goods company, LVMH. It was established in 1743 by Claude Moët and is among the largest champagne houses in the world. The headquarters of the brand is in Épernay where it originated from. Something interesting about the brand is that it owns Dom Pérignon.
Moët was renamed Moët & Chandon in 1933 after Remy Moët’s son-in-law, Pierre-Gabriel Chandon, joined the company. The company then merged with Louis Vuitton in 1987 and Hennessy Cognac in 1971 to form LVMH (Louis-Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy). This company now owns several champagne brands as well as a range of luxury goods.
How Are They Made?
The production of champagne involves several steps which must be completed for the sparkling wine to be classified as Champagne.
First, the grapes are hand-picked from specific vineyards within the Champagne region of France. The types of grapes used differ based on the brand, but the common ones tend to be Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.
These grapes are pressed to release the juices which are then put into a tank and fermented to turn the natural sugars into alcohol. Next, the various wines are blended to produce the unique champagne that each brand produces.
White wines are combined with reserve wines to form the Champagne mixture which is usually done approximately 5 months after the initial harvest.
Next, a mixture of yeast, yeast nutrients, and sugar is added to the wine blend to ferment the wine further. This step is vital in forming the bubbles that are iconic the sparkling wine.
This is usually done in thick glass bottles with a sealed bottle cap. The bottles are placed in a cool cellar to allow the fermentation process to occur slowly which causes the formation of the alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Aging is the next step which results in a toasty and yeasty flavor to the beverage. Dom Pérignon champagne is aged for at least 9 years before it is sold, which is longer than the average of 3 years spent aging.
Riddling is a process whereby dead yeast cells are removed from the beverage which is placed upside down in a holder at a 75-degree angle. Each day the champagne is rotated to force the dead yeast to float to the top of the bottle where it can then be removed.
Finally, a process of ‘disgorging’ occurs where the champagne bottles are frozen in an ice-salt bath. This causes the dead yeast cells to form a ‘plug’ of sorts which is then removed by uncorking the bottle.
The carbon dioxide build-up forces the yeast plug out of the bottle.
What Are They Made of?
Moët & Chandon incorporates three types of grapes in the production of their champagne. These grapes include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier at a ratio of 2:2:1. The grapes are collected from hundreds of vineyards making it less of a boutique Champagne producer.
In comparison, Dom Pérignon is produced using only two types of grapes, Pinot and Chardonnay. The final composition of the grapes tends to differ every vintage.
In the 1990 Rosé, it was made using equal portions of the grapes while in the 1982 variation it was made with 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot.
How Are They Similar?
Both Dom Pérignon and Moët & Chandon use Chardonnay grapes in the production of their champagne. Similarly, both brands are sold at an alcohol by volume of 12,5% (25 proof).
This tends to be where the similarities end. Dom Pérignon additionally uses Pinot grapes while Moët is made with additional Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes.
Dom Pérignon is more of a luxury brand with a price range of $147 to $400 while Moët & Chandon has a price range of $51 to $75. While this is still quite pricey, Moët’s prices are closer to the average market price of champagne making it a more affordable option.
Direct Comparison of Dom Pérignon and Moët Champagne
| Item | Dom Pérignon | Moët & Chandon |
| Production Area | France | France |
| Raw Materials | Pinot and Chardonnay Grapes | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes |
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | 12,5% (25 proof) | 12,5% (25 proof) |
| Taste | Citrus, Smoke, Honey, and Biscuits | |
| Average Price (1 liter) | $147 – $400 | $51 – $75 |
| Color | Clear | Clear |
Dom Pérignon Champagne Variations
| Name | Average Price | Quantity per Bottle |
| Dom Pérignon | $200 | 750 ml |
| Dom Pérignon P2 | $400 | 750 ml |
| Dom Pérignon Rosé | $350 | 750 ml |
Dom Pérignon, when it has not been opened, can last for a period between 5 and 10 years, although some can last for even longer.
The best way to reserve a bottle of this champagne is to keep it in a cool place with a temperature of 45 – 65° Fahrenheit (7 – 18° Celsius).
It should be kept away from the light which will prevent it from aging, and in an area with good humidity of around 70%. This will prevent the cork from drying out which can affect the taste of your champagne.
Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne List
| Champagne | Bottle Year | Average Price |
| Dom Pérignon | 2017 | $150 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2016 | $150 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2014 | $160 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2012 | $160 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2009 | $160 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2006 | $165 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2005 | $190 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2004 | $175 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2003 | $185 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2002 | $200 |
| Dom Pérignon | 2000 | $209 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1999 | $210 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1998 | $270 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1997 | $250 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1996 | $300 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1995 | $280 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1993 | $320 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1992 | $280 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1990 | $360 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1988 | $380 |
| Dom Pérignon | 1985 | $370 |
As you can see, some of the older bottles have a higher price point than the newer ones. This is due to the rarity of finding the older ones available as well as how long it has been since it was created.
However, this is not entirely consistent. For instance, the 1992 bottle is sold for $280 while the 1996 bottle has a price of $300.
Moët Champagne Variations
| Item | Average Price | Quantity per Bottle |
| Grand Vintage Rose 2012 | $75 | 750 ml |
| Moët Ice Imperial Rose | $60 | 750 ml |
| Moët Nectar Imperial | $65 | 750 ml |
| Moët Rose Imperial | $60 | 750 ml |
| Moët Nectar Imperial Rose | $65 | 750 ml |
| Grand Vintage 2012 | $75 | 750 ml |
| Grand Vintage 2009 | $60 | 750 ml |
| Moët Ice Imperial | $60 | 750 ml |
| Moët Imperial | $50 | 750 ml |
| Grand Vintage Rose 2009 | $60 | 750 ml |
Moët & Chandon has several champagnes available for purchase, all of which have an alcohol by volume of 12,5% (25 proof).
The only ‘vintages’ the brand tends to sell are the 2009 Grand Vintage and Grand Vintage Rose, and the 2012 Grand Vintage and Grand Vintage Rose.
How To Drink Dom Pérignon and Moët Champagne
Moët & Chandon was among the first champagne producers to encourage drinking the beverage over ice. Ice Imperial was produced specifically in 2010 to be poured over ice cubes which dilutes the beverage slightly and brings forth the flavor of the champagne more. The ice has an additional beverage of loosening the bubble chain in the beverage.
To drink it this way, simply place an ice cube in a champagne flute and gently pour the champagne over the ice. the champagne should be poured at a 45-degree angle to avoid the bubbles from overflowing the glass.
Dom Pérignon is best served at a temperature of 45° Fahrenheit which tends to be the norm with most Champagnes. The bottle should be opened just before drinking to preserve the bubbles. It should be drunk in a traditional Champagne flute that allows the bubbles to rise steadily.
Like Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon should be poured at a 45-degree angle to avoid buildup and the beverage flowing over the edge of the glass. Unlike Moët & Chandon, it is best to drink Dom Pérignon neat, which is without ice.
Alternatives to Moët and Dom Pérignon
Canard-Duchêne Authentic Brut is a brand of champagne that was acquired by Groupe Thiénot in 2003. It is made with a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay. Canard has average alcohol by volume (ABV) of 12% (24 proof) and costs approximately $29 per bottle.
Lanson Black Label Brut is a brand of champagne owned by Lanson-BCC. It is made with 50% Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. The champagne has an ABV of 12,5% (25 proof) and costs $35 per bottle.
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut is produced by Pieper-Heidsieck which has been in operation since 1785. It is made with a combination of primarily Pinot Noir, with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay being the next biggest contributors. The champagne has an ABV of 12% (24 proof) and can be bought for $29 per bottle.
Pommery Brut Royal is the primary label in the Vranken Pommery Monopole collection. It is made with a combination of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. Pommery has an ABV of 12,5% (25 proof) and can be bought for $46 per bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which came first?
Moët & Chandon was established 279 years ago in 1743 while Dom Pérignon was established in 1921 making Moët & Chandon older.
Which is stronger?
Both champagne brands have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 12,5% (25 proof) making neither stronger than the other.
Which is the most popular?
According to The Drinks Business, the most popular brand of champagne in the world is Moët & Chandon.
