La Grande Dame 2012

The colour is medium straw, with fine, long-lasting bubbles. On the nose very elegant, but overly subtle, with some caramel and almond notes. In the mouth also very elegant, but much tastier and with a very pleasant long lasting aftertaste.

This top of the line champagne is made by Veuve Clicquot with 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay grapes from historical Grands Crus vineyards.

Veuve Clicquot has been part of LVMH Group since 1987. Historically it has been one of the houses that marked the creation of champagne as we know it today.

Madame Clicquot was born in Reims in 1777. As the daughter of Baron Nicolas Ponsardin, her social standing allowed her to obtain an excellent education. In 1798 she married François Clicquot, son to the founder of the Maison Clicquot. François shared his passion and knowledge for champagne creation and distribution with his young wife, who at the age of 27 took the reins of the family house after the untimely death of his husband in 1805. She was an audacious and intelligent woman, who took risks and sized each new opportunity to expand her business.

Under Madame Clicquot leadership new techniques of production were perfected, such as the “table de remuage” (riddling table) to clarify champagne, the first known vintage champagne in 1810, and the very first known blended rosé champagne, by blending still red and white wines. While still alive, her peers already recognised her formidable contributions and referred to her as the “Grande Dame of Champagne”.

For this bottle I paid 153.90 CHF online at flaschenpost.ch

Country: France
Region: Champagne
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Type: Sparkling
Vintage: 2012
Producer: Veuve Clicquot
Price range: Luxury (>100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5