It is one of the most exceptional vineyards in Champagne country. Spread out over 390 hectares that are divided up into 12 of the 17 Grands crus and 20 of the 44 Premiers crus that are found in Champagne, Veuve Clicquot possesses one of the leading vineyards in Champagne both in terms of quantity and quality. This exceptional heritage was particularly marked by Madame Clicquot herself who acquired at the time the finest of vineyards today classified as Grands Cru vineyard. Grand crus, French for great growth or best growth, indicates the top of the line territories in the vineyard while the Premier cru is the tier just below.

It is within this exceptional environment that the house of Veuve Clicquot welcomes visitors. The two-hour visit offers a journey through the vineyards on foot or on a bicycle and it concludes with a tasting of the house’s Extra Brut Extra Old which is made only wth the rare reserve wines of the house’s cellars. Meanwhile the extensive chalk cellars of the house are among the largest network of cellars in the region. Visitors can embark upon a 45-minute tour followed by a 45-minute blind tasting of the house’s emblematic Brut Carte Jaune and the Vintage 2012.

One of the finest Champagne and champagne experiences is to be had in the Parc du Manoir de Verzy with a view onto the Grands crus vineyards extending from east to west. Veuve Clicquot has concocted a charming picnic lunch featuring regional specialties savored with the house’s collection of Non Vintage Rosés. The house’s rosé or pink champagne was created for the first time by Mrs. Clicquot in 1818. Vivacious, fruity and outfitted with a coppery orange color, these fresh and powerful champagnes are perfect in the sunlight. The house was founded in 1772 in Reims and is owned today by LVMH.
©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette
https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-int