| Moet & Chandon was established by Claude Moet in 1743, but his family had been involved in Champagne since the 15th century. The firm really took off when Jean-Remy took the helm at the beginning of the 19th century. Jean-Remy and Napoleon Bonaparte had gone to school together and had become very good friends. So good, in fact, that Jean-Remy had La Trianon Palace built opposite Moet & Chandon on the avenue de Champagne, as a suitable place for the emperor to stay on his many visits to Champagne. In turn, Napoleon awarded Jean-Remy with the French order of merit. The connections Jean-Remy had with Napoleon, among others, secured international markets for Moet Champage and the wine increased in popularity and sales sky-rocketed. |
