Profile of Veuve Clicquot
One of the Champagne regions’ established legends, Veuve Clicquot, has played a central role since the 19th century in marketing Champagne as the only drink of choice for celebrations and special occasions and has become the loudest spokesperson for the entire region. However, this giant house enjoyed a relatively humble beginning and was founded (almost as a hobby!) in 1772 by the wealthy merchant Philippe Clicquot-Muiron. His son inherited the small production and married Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in 1798, and he would not live to see the house attain great heights as he died in 1805. Now in complete control, his widow (Veuve in French) set about reducing the family’s interest in their banking and textile empires and instead focusing almost entirely on Champagne production.
Her charisma and single-minded determination to produce high-quality Champagne (and nothing else!) paid massive dividends for Veuve Clicquot. Madame Clicquot is credited with establishing the brand throughout the royal courts of Europe. During the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century, Veuve Clicquot cemented itself as Champagne’s premium choice, most notably in the Royal Court of Russia! Madame Clicquot can also claim responsibility for making Champagne’s mass production possible by jointly inventing the riddling rack. This made the disgorgement, or removal of the yeast sediment, more efficient and economical and paved the way for the large volume productions we have today.
Madame Clicquot’s death in 1866 was a great loss to the house; by this time, it was a substantial operation and respected brand. The house remained in family control until 1987, when it was acquired into the LVMH group of luxury brands. Thankfully corporate ownership has not damaged the wines’ quality, especially the famous cuvee prestige, La Grande Dame. One of Champagne’s greatest wines, it astonishes all who taste it with incredible complexity, depth, and power. Veuve Clicquot is a spectacular house to visit, with its grand architecture and legacy in Champagne, a truly unforgettable foray into the area. If the region needs an ambassador for its wines, then it knows where to look!
Wines produced
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Veuve Clicquot Brut NV
A varying blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Maturation in bottle. A blend of over 50 different base wines, this is the flagship wine of Veuve Clicquot
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Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose NV
A varying blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with the addition of red wine added to the blend. Maturation in bottle. The flagship rose champagne of the property.
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Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut
A varying blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Produced from wines from one vintage, only made in excellent years. Maturation in oak barrels.
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Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rose
A varying blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with the addition of red wine added to the blend. Maturation in oak barrels. Produced from wines from one vintage, only made in excellent years.
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Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec NV
A varying blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Can be made from wines from different vintages. Produced in a semi sweet style, maturation in bottle.
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La Grande Dame Vintage Cuvee Prestige
First released in 1977 to commemorate the company's bicentenary. 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay from Grand Cru Vineyards in Champagne. Only produced in exceptional vintages. Extended maturation in oak barrels and bottle before release.
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La Grande Dame Vintage Rose Cuvee Prestige
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay from Grand Cru Vineyards in Champagne. 15% Pinot Noir red wine is added to the blend. Only produced in exceptional vintages. Extended maturation In oak barrels and bottle before release.
Winery details
12 Rue de Temple
51100 Riems
France
Tel +33 (0) 03 26 89 53 90
Fax +33 (0) 03 26 89 53 95
- Appellation
- Champagne
- Founded
- 1772
- Area under vine
- 382 hectares
- Age of vines
- 30 years+
- Oak barrel origin
- French
- Winemaker
- Jacques Peters
- Owner
- LVMH group
- Production
- 15 million bottles per annum
- Grape varietals
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier