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!