Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame 2018 in Giftbox

This Grande Dame is Veuve’s prestige cuvée, in homage to Madame Clicquot herself, a pioneering business woman who bravely took over the Champagne house when her husband François unexpectedly died age 30. Amongst the things Veuve (widow) Clicquot invented was the first vintage champagne in 1810, the first version of the pupitre in 1816, and the first blended rosé champagne by blending still red and white wines in 1818. The house is now owned by LVMH. This 2018, newly released in Canada, is based on pinot noir (her favourite grape), with 10% chardonnay. From Northern Montagne de Reims (PN) and Le Mesnil (Chard), this comes off approximately 70% estate vineyards (historical crus). It was fermented in stainless, with full MLF, and disgorged in February 2024 with 6 g/L. A highly dignified Dame, with brioche, white cherry, cherry blossoms, lemon, and patisserie filling a cushioned, yet finely boned palate, with autolytic notes balanced with chalky chiseled acidity. Drinking chicly now, and with a few years ahead in your cellar.

Drink: now-2045