Dating back to 1743, Moet & Chandon is the largest and most recognized champagne brand and producer in the world. Dom Perignon, its most famous label, took its name from the Benedictine monk whom legend claims was the first to produce the sparkling beverage we know as champagne. The company was founded by Dutchman Claude Moet, who originally shipped wine to Paris to supply the royal court's growing desire for sparkling wine. The company introduced the concept of vintage champagne in the 1840s and began their popular brand "Brut Imperial" in the 1860s. Today Moet & Chandon is a segment of the international luxury goods brand "LVMH," after merging with Hennessy Cognac in 1971 and Louis Vuitton in 1987. Moet & Chandon also fathered the sparkling wine venture Domaine Chandon in the Napa Valley.