Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot is one of the most recognizable and influential Champagne houses in the world. The house is known for its powerful, structured style, in which Pinot Noir plays a prominent role. Combining a rich history with a distinctive signature, Veuve Clicquot is globally associated with quality, innovation, and a confident style in Champagne.

What is Veuve Clicquot?

Veuve Clicquot is a French champagne house known for its consistent, full-bodied, and structured champagnes. Unlike more finesse-oriented houses, Veuve Clicquot consciously opts for power, depth, and distinctiveness. The style is distinctive yet always balanced, making the champagnes suitable for both festive and gastronomic occasions.

What is Veuve Clicquot known for? A powerful, structured champagne, driven by Pinot Noir and a distinctive house style. And, of course, that signature yellow/orange label.

Origin and history

Veuve Clicquot was founded in 1772 , but gained its true identity under the leadership of Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin , better known as Veuve Clicquot, the widow Clicquot. She took over the house in the early 19th century and became one of the most influential figures in Champagne history.

Madame Clicquot was responsible for groundbreaking innovations, including refining the remuage process, which made champagne clearer and more consistent. Under her leadership, Veuve Clicquot grew into an internationally respected brand, with a strong focus on quality and structure.

Origin and vineyards

Veuve Clicquot boasts a large, high-quality vineyard estate, with an exceptionally high proportion of Premier Cru and Grand Cru parcels. These vineyards are spread across the major Champagne subregions.

The emphasis is on the Montagne de Reims , where high-quality Pinot Noir is grown. This provenance forms the backbone of Veuve Clicquot's style and explains the structure and power of its champagnes.

Grapes and style

Pinot Noir is the dominant grape in virtually all Veuve Clicquot cuvées. This grape provides body, structure, and ageing potential. Chardonnay is used for freshness and elegance, while Pinot Meunier adds roundness and accessibility.

The Veuve Clicquot style is characterized by a clear backbone, ripe fruit, and a full texture. The champagnes are powerful, yet not heavy, and always maintain their balance and drinkability.

Traditional method

Like all quality champagnes, Veuve Clicquot wines are made according to the traditional method , with a second fermentation in the bottle. The champagnes are aged for a long time on the lees, which contributes to complexity, creaminess, and a fine mousse.

At Veuve Clicquot, this method is deliberately used to enhance structure and depth, without losing sight of freshness.

Styles and cuvées

The house's most famous champagne is Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut , a non-vintage champagne that is considered a global benchmark for its powerful, consistent style. The house also produces rosé champagne, vintage cuvées, and prestigious bottlings like La Grande Dame , which combine finesse and power.

What unites all these cuvées is the emphasis on Pinot Noir and a clear, recognisable signature.

Storage and serving

Most Veuve Clicquot champagnes are meant to be enjoyed relatively young, when their freshness and structure are optimally balanced. Vintage champagnes and La Grande Dame have considerable aging potential and can continue to develop for years.

Serving temperature is ideally around 8–10 degrees Celsius. For more complex cuvées, serving slightly warmer can add extra nuance.

Buy Veuve Clicquot at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Veuve Clicquot for those seeking champagne with power, structure, and an iconic look. This house is ideal for festive occasions, but also for connoisseurs who appreciate a distinctive, classic champagne style.