We asked Chevalier about his favorite champagnes and pairings. Takanori Nakamura, chairman of the Japan judging committee for the World's 50 Best Restaurants, says his favorite taste is Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006. This is the latest release from the Maison's Grand Vintage collection. Nakamura talks about its charm and memories.

"I was appointed a Chevalier of the Order of Champagne in 2007, so this is one of my favorite drinks. A brand I have a special attachment to is Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006, the Maison's 71st vintage.

Moët & Chandon is known as a very popular and well-known champagne, but this Grand Vintage has a completely different taste. It has a very impressive botanical flavor reminiscent of anise and tropical white flowers. I also love the fruity aromas of peach and mango, and the nutty finish in the second half.

I first tried this champagne in June of this year, at LE&, Moët & Chandon's guesthouse in Epernay in the Champagne region, where I drank it with three-star chef Yannick Alléno and Moët ambassador and tennis player Roger Federer, and it holds fond memories.

While the brand image evokes a party scene, the 2006 vintage is intended as a "mealtime drink." I believe it also pairs well with Japanese cuisine. It pairs well with high-quality dashi, as well as fragrant Japanese mushrooms such as matsutake and shiitake. It is an exquisite link with the umami flavor that is the essence of Japanese cuisine. It feels like the style of accompanying a meal with champagne has finally become established. I also recommend tasting vintage champagne, as a way to go beyond the brand name.


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Takanori Nakamura
Active in the media, focusing on the "luxury lifestyle" in areas such as fashion, travel, and gastronomy. Currently, he is the chairman of the Japan judging committee for the World's 50 Best Restaurants. His books include "Pilgrimage to Famous Restaurant Recipes" (Sekai Bunka Publishing).