It’s celebration season for Veuve Clicquot as the venerable house of champagne enters into its 250th year. To mark the milesonte, the house launched a collection of iconic and eco-sustainable packaging in the color of the sun, golden yellow. The new collection, which is new takes on their classic gift boxes, is being brought out in a limited edition and has been christened Icons. The house was founded in 1772 in Reims. Madame Clicquot came to the helm of the company in 1805 becoming one of the first business women in the modern era. It was she who brought out the Brut Carte Jaune and its yellow label. She would go on to create the first vintage champagne in 1810 and the first known blended rosé in 1818.

Veuve Clicquot enjoys 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. Among the tour options is a journey through the vineyards concluding with a tasting of La Grande Dame as well as 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.
©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette
https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-int