Veuve Clicquot

Founded in 1772 in Reims, Veuve Clicquot stands as one of the most prestigious and iconic Champagne houses. Its style is defined by Pinot Noir dominance, precision blending, and exceptional consistency, supported by over two centuries of innovation and craftsmanship.

History & Heritage

The house owes its global renown to Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin, known as La Grande Dame de la Champagne. Taking over in 1805, she transformed a family business into a symbol of luxury. She pioneered several major innovations:

• Creation of the first vintage Champagne (1810)
• Invention of the riddling table (1816)
• Development of the first blended rosé Champagne (1818)

Today, Veuve Clicquot is part of the LVMH group, and its cellar master is Didier Mariotti, the 11th in the house’s history.

Vineyard & Grapes

Veuve Clicquot owns around 390 hectares of vineyards, with 95% classified as Premier and Grand Cru. This exceptional base is complemented by a wide network of grower partners. The varietal composition is:

• 47% Pinot Noir – structure and power
• 36% Chardonnay – finesse and freshness
• 17% Meunier – suppleness and fruitiness

Grapes are sourced mainly from the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, and the Côte des Blancs.

Style & Winemaking

Veuve Clicquot’s signature style is anchored in Pinot Noir, which imparts structure, depth, and vinosity. A generous use of reserve wines ensures remarkable consistency in blends. All wines undergo extended aging in chalk cellars far beyond legal requirements, developing complexity and texture.

The hallmark of the house lies in the balance between freshness and intensity, along with precise control of dosage.

Signature Cuvées

• Brut Carte Jaune — the house’s signature, blending 50–60 crus, dosage around 9 g/L.
• Brut Rosé — blended rosé, heir to the 1818 innovation.
• Vintage & Vintage Rosé — expressing the character of great years.
• Extra Brut Extra Old — 100% reserve wines, low dosage (~3 g/L).
• Rich / Rich Rosé — designed for mixology and over-ice service.
• La Grande Dame — prestige cuvée, Pinot Noir dominant, sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards (Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzy, Verzenay, Côte des Blancs).

Recent vintages 2012 and 2015 of La Grande Dame are particularly outstanding.

Global Presence & Market

With an annual production of approximately 18 million bottles, Veuve Clicquot ranks among the largest Champagne houses. It holds a strategic position in key markets across Europe, North America, and Asia. Despite a more measured global environment in 2024, the house maintains strong leadership through its reputation and iconic image.

Heritage & Cellar Visits

Veuve Clicquot’s historic chalk cellars — ancient Gallo-Roman crayères listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are located in the heart of Reims. These spectacular galleries welcome visitors from around the world each year, offering an immersive experience into the house’s history and craftsmanship.