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Veuve Clicquot Winery Guide
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Last updated: November 24, 2023
Winery Overview
One of the Champagne region’s 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 a respected brand. The house remained in family control until 1987, when the LVMH group of luxury brands acquired it. 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 a wine ambassador, 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 -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 Contact Details
Veuve Clicquot
12 Rue de Temple51100 Riems
France
Email: [email protected]
Tel +33 (0) 03 26 89 53 90
Fax +33 (0) 03 26 89 53 95 Find out more
Facts & Figures
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
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
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Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier is a cold-weather-resistant grape that tends to yield lighter, fruity wine and is the lifeblood of the Champagne region.
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Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine varietal closely related to the Vitis vinifera grape and produces the most sought-after red wines in the world.
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Winery Appellations
Author
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More information
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