For Moët & Chandon‘s latest artistic collaboration, the champagne maison tapped the contemporary artist, Daniel Arsham, to create a limited-edition bottle for Impériale Création No. 1. The creative masterpiece and limited edition collectable item is limited to 85 pieces, holding the brand’s latest Collection Impériale cuvée. For inspiration, Arshasm visited the brand’s headquarters in Épernay, France, later designing an avant-garde artwork that captures the essence of Moët & Chandon’s style of elegant maturity.
To celebrate, on May 15 and 16, Arsham opened his private residence in SoHo for the unveiling of the collection with champagne brand’s Cellar Master Benoît Gouez. After guests enjoyed a first taste of Collection Impériale Création No. 1 upstairs, a four-course dinner prepared by acclaimed Chef Yann Nury followed downstairs.
Moet Chandon x Daniel Arsham Limited Edition Bottle, provided by Moet Chandon
Impériale Création No. 1 was created to mark the 280th anniversary of the Moët & Chandon and will continue to release a new bottle creation every two years as a countdown to the champagne brand’s 300th anniversary. Collection Impériale is a multi-layered champagne that transcends the perception of time, achieving harmony between the freshness of youth and the maturity of age.
At home with Arsham and Gouez, too, Whitewall learned how the limited-edition bottle was created and what stories transcend the collection.
Moët & Chandon Chooses Daniel Arsham
Courtesy of Moët & Chandon.
WHITEWALL: Benoît, why was Daniel Arsham an artist you wanted to work with?
BENOÎT GOUEZ: Hailed as the “Archaeologist of the Future,” Daniel’s unique craftsmanship and long line of work has always encapsulated such a special and distinctive story. His take on our heritage beautifully captures the essence of our history and our craft at Moët & Chandon.
WW: What do you envision his art and champagne having in common? The process of art-making and champagne-making?
BG: Daniel approached his work in much the same way that we have approached the crafting of the Impériale Création No. 1 collection—as an artistic endeavor, shaped by traditions of the past, intended to go on well into the future.
Chef Yann Nury, Daniel Arsham, and Benoit Gouez at launch dinner, courtesy of Moët & Chandon
WW: The dinner at Arsham’s home featured several special labels, including first sips of Collection Impériale Création No. 1. What does this Imperial highlight that Moet & Chandon does best?
BG: A blend of seven of Moët & Chandon’s remarkable vintages, Collection Impériale Création No. 1 is the epitome of the House’s 280 years of winemaking expertise, newly coined Haute Oenologie. This new cuvee is about selecting, aging with different techniques and blending millesimés—a testament to the hard work, craftsmanship and artistry of our winemakers, and we are excited to continue revealing new Créations every two years, as we countdown to the 300th anniversary of the house.
The Legacy of Moët & Chandon
Courtesy of Daniel Arsham and Moët & Chandon.
WW: You’ve been at Moet & Chandon for over 20 years. What do you hope your legacy at the house is known for?
BG: I hope we continue to not only preserve tradition, but to innovate and evolve through our winemaking, collaborations, sustainability practices and global initiatives. As the leading House in Champagne, it is our responsibility to pave the way not only with our practices in our vineyards but in the Champagne region in general. With the distinction of being the largest landowner comes a great responsibility, that of caring for the soil and its natural ecosystem, of learning from Nature, and establishing a true connection with the land, preserving it for generations to come. I hope that spirit of preservation and innovation is at the forefront of what I am recognized for bringing to the House.
WW: What are you working on right now? What is Moet & Chandon presenting next?
BG: We have many exciting moments in the pipeline for 2024 that we look forward to sharing, where Moët & Chandon continues to be the champagne of celebration and glamor.
We look forward to releasing our next vintage, Grand Vintage 2016 in the US next year, as well as continuing to develop Collection Impériale creations and further innovations that embody Moët & Chandon’s Haute Oenology.
As many are traveling to Paris and the Champagne region this summer, Moët & Chandon invites visitors to enjoy their unique summer experiences, Moet in Paris and Memories of Tomorrow. Travelers can also visit the maison in Épernay, offering tours that allow guests to experience the champagne excellence of the house and view the Daniel Arsham piece firsthand.
Daniel Arsham Collaborates with Moët & Chandon
WW: Daniel, tell us a bit about your collaboration with Moet & Chandon. Where did it begin?
DANIEL ARSHAM: I am always looking for new and exciting opportunities that challenge myself. I didn’t know how the champagne was made, so experiencing its creation with Benoit made it a very special and immersive experience. The 280th anniversary presented a fortuitous occasion to delve into the storied history of Moët & Chandon’s chateau.
WW: How did your visit to Epernay influence what you created?
DA: I’ve seen photos of the Moët & Chandon property but walking around and experiencing the property in-person was a very different sensory experience. The visit allowed me to immerse myself fully in the brand to properly tell its story via my world.
Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale Bottle, Courtesy of Moët & Chandon
Creating Artwork Inspired by Moët & Chandon
WW: Special for the collaboration was a bottle holder you made. What sparked inspiration from the brand’s headquarters?
DA: The cellar at the Moët & Chandon property is made of white chalk, which inspired me to use similar material that I used for the work, and I was inspired for the frieze to appear as if it was carved from existing chalk walls.
WW: What do you feel you and Moet & Chandon have in common? The art-making and champagne-making process?
Moet Chandon x D Arsham Relief Cellar, Courtesy of Moet Chandon
DA: We both are extremely caring and attentive when it comes to the details in our work. We also place value on history and bridging the gaps between past and present.
WW: What was working with Benoit like?
DA: Benoit has been a wonderful partner in this endeavor. I learned so much from him when he showed me how the champagne is made, which proved invaluable when it came time to design the piece.
What’s Next for Daniel Arsham
WW: What are you working on now/next? Any upcoming shows we’d need to keep an eye out for?
DA: I have a few exciting collaborations coming up including pieces with Hublot and Kohler. I’m looking forward to sharing more soon.
Moët&Chandon Collection Impériale Bottle, Courtesy of Moët&Chandon
