Veuve Clicquot

Yellow-fruity, elegant and nuanced with hints of quince jelly, chamomile, brioche and dried apricots. Complex, long-lasting and powerful on the palate, with a perfect balance between ripeness and acidity. The well-placed dosage supports the fine texture and lets the flavours shine. Fine yeast perfume in the finish – an elegant, true grande dame. (RE).

This Grande Dame is Veuve's prestige cuvée, in homage to Madame Clicquot herself, a pioneering business woman who bravely took over the Champagne house when her husband François unexpectedly died age 30. Amongst the things Veuve (widow) Clicquot invented was the first vintage champagne in 1810, the first version of the pupitre in 1816, and the first blended rosé champagne by blending still red and white wines in 1818. The house is now owned by LVMH. This 2018, newly released in Canada, is based on pinot noir (her favourite grape), with 10% chardonnay. From Northern Montagne de Reims (PN) and Le Mesnil (Chard), this comes off approximately 70% estate vineyards (historical crus). It was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, and disgorged in February 2024 with 6 g/L. A highly dignified Dame, with brioche, white cherry, cherry blossoms, lemon, and patisserie filling a cushioned, yet finely boned palate, with autolytic notes balanced with chalky chiseled acidity. Drinking chicly now, and with a few years ahead in your cellar.