Veuve Clicquot : La Grande Dame by Paola Paronetto 2015

A mineral and silky vintage Brut champagne

The estate

The Veuve Clicquot brand is today a runaway worldwide success, with the legend created by one woman: Madame Clicquot. In 1798 François Clicquot married the daughter of Baron Nicolas Ponsardin. Son of the founder of the Clicquot Champagne House, he passed on his passion and secret expertise for champagne making to his wife. When her husband died prematurely, at the age of 27, she took over the reins of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House with determination. Guided by an innate sense of innovation and a constant quest for perfection, she invented the riddling table and marketed the first blended rosé champagne. Veuve Clicquot has made this uncompromising demand its motto: "One quality – the best."

The vineyard

The Veuve Clicquot House owns 390 hectares, one of the largest vineyards in Champagne. This vineyard is also exceptional in its quality, as it is spread over 12 of the 17 Grand Crus and 20 of the 44 Premier Crus of the Champagne region.

The wine

Marketed in 1972 to celebrate the house’s bicentenary, "La Grande Dame" pays tribute to Madame Clicquot. A pioneer and visionary, Madame Clicquot was known at the time as "La Grande Dame de la Champagne." This exceptional and rare cuvée is characterised by its freshness, its silky mouth, its elegance and its minerality.

Made from vineyards spread over 8 Grand Crus, La Grande Dame is a Brut Champagne (6g/L) characterised by the predominance of Pinot Noir in the blend, giving the wine its vinous structure and power.

This 2015 edition marks a new page in the history of this vintage, through a collaboration with the artist Paola Paronetto. Reinterpreting ancient techniques to make something new and unique, this designer’s work is crosses utilitarian objects with sculpture. Her work combines novelty, stylistic innovation and the traditions of ancient art with those of pottery.

"Through my work, I always seek a balance between joy and creativity. My connection with nature constantly inspires me to look towards a better future and this collaboration with such an iconic House allows me to explore new horizons. For this new edition of La Grande Dame, I have created a range of six nuanced colours and a graphic play of light to show them at their best." Paola Paronetto

Paola Paronetto's artwork is reflected in six 100% recyclable cardboard boxes in six different colours, each containing a bottle of La Grande Dame 2015 with a label in the chosen colour.

Winemaking and ageing

La Grande Dame 2015 from Veuve Clicquot is a prestige champagne which has benefitted from prolonged ageing in the heart of the house’s 100-year-old cellars.

Blend

Pinot Noir (90%)
Chardonnay (10%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for La Grande Dame 2015

Tasting

Colour
Lively and bright, the colour has a beautiful golden hue.

Nose
The nose delights with its minerality and freshness. Delicious floral fragrances (jasmine, acacia) mingle with fruity notes (pear, clementine).

Palate
The palate harmoniously releases a velvety and silky texture.

Food and wine pairing

La Grande Dame 2015 is a champagne for gastronomy, pairing perfectly with seasonal produce as well as fine, savoury, elegant and mature produce.

To serve

To fully appreciate the potential of this rare champagne, it is advised to serve at a temperature of between 10 and 12 °C inclusive.

Storage

Graced with a great ageing potential, La Grande Dame 2015 from Veuve Clicquot can evolve in the cellar until 2030 and beyond.