Alcohol: 12.5%
Grape(s): 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay
Localization: Reims, France
Tasting Notes: Initial notes of white flowers on the nose, such as jasmine, honeysuckle, and vine flowers, can be felt and then opens with fruitier nuances of apple, pear, and peach. A few notes of fresh almond and frangipane complete the bouquet. In the mouth, the cuvée reveals more complex aromas: dried apricot, hazelnuts, honey, and sugar candy. Silky textures give the wine its personality, elegance, and character. The aging has imparted particular depth and power to the wine.
Notes: In 2022, Veuve Clicquot reveals this 9th edition of La Grande Dame Rosé, an exceptional and rare wine.
In 1818, Madame Clicquot crafted the first known "rosé d'assemblage" champagne by blending some of her Bouzy red wines with her white wines. La Grande Dame Rosé respects her vision with 90% of Pinot Noir coming from the historic Grands Crus of our terroir as well as a red wine added to the blend from a single parcel: the Parcelle 'Clos Colin' located in Bouzy, a Grand Cru terroir.
The Domain: Veuve Clicquot, now one of the largest Champagne Houses, was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot under the label "Clicquot". After establishing the brand throughout Europe, Russia and the United States, Philippe was joined by his son, François Clicquot, at the head of the House in 1798. Seven years later, after his untimely death, François’ young widow, Barbe Ponsardin, took over the family business at 27 years old. The House would subsequently be renamed in her honor: ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means ‘The Widow Clicquot.’
Over the course of her lifetime, Madame Clicquot (Barbe Ponsardin), developed three of the most important innovations in Champagne that are still practiced today. First, in 1810 Veuve Clicquot produced the first vintage wine in Champagne, which otherwise produced non-vintage blends. Second, in 1816 Madame Clicquot invented the riddling table to clarify Veuve Clicquot champagne, and by doing so, she improved both the quality and finesse of the wines. Riddling is now fundamental to ‘La Methode Traditionelle’ (the traditional Champagne production method) and is emulated around the world. Finally, in 1818 Madame Clicquot created the first rose champagne made through ‘assemblage’, a method where white wines are blended with red wines.
The distinctive, 90+ rated, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut has been in production since 1877. It is distinguished by the dominance of Pinot Noir in its blend, which gives strength, complexity, and elegance to the champagne.
