Moët & Chandon Unveils Création No. 1 to Mark 280th Anniversary in Collaboration with Artist Daniel Arsham

Moët & Chandon, the renowned champagne house, is celebrating its 280th anniversary with the launch of a new cuvée, Création No. 1, as part of the Collection Impériale line. The champagne pays homage to the historic partnership between the founder’s grandson Jean-Rémy and Napoleon Bonaparte, who exclusively favoured Moët & Chandon from 1801 onward. Benoît Gouez, the cellar master, aimed to create a timeless drink, and in a unique collaboration, American artist Daniel Arsham has crafted limited-edition bottles inspired by the craftsmanship and methods of Moët.

The Imperial blend, a central element of Création No. 1, combines wines made from the Chardonnay grape. Seven vintages, each aged using different techniques, are harmoniously blended to create a sophisticated flavour profile. A standout feature is the use of a 2000 vintage fermented-in oak casks, a traditional method no longer in regular use. The absence of added sugar (dosage) allows the drinker to savour complex flavour notes, including smoky liquorice, mocha, toasted fig, and plum.

In conjunction with the champagne launch, Moët & Chandon collaborated with Daniel Arsham, who expressed his excitement about the historical narrative encapsulated in a single bottle. Arsham created a large, white bas-relief inspired by a stained-glass window at Moët & Chandon’s cellar entrance. The relief, adorned with quartz crystals, depicts putti and a personification of Fame. Only 85 limited-edition bottles feature Arsham’s unique design, offering a fusion of art and functionality. The casing, featuring motifs from Arsham’s relief, serves as both a sculpture and a protective cover for the bottle, allowing it to age gracefully.

Arsham, known for his work with Merce Cunningham and collaborations with brands like Tiffany & Co. and Adidas, views product design as complementary to art. The limited-edition Création No. 1 bottles embody the spirit of Moët & Chandon’s rich heritage and Arsham’s contemporary artistry, providing champagne enthusiasts with a unique and collectable experience.