Veuve Clicquot : La Grande Dame by Yayoi Kusama 2012

The precision and balance of a fine champagne bearing the signature of Yayoi Kusama

The house
Today an internationally successful brand, Veuve Clicquot is a Champagne house whose legend was built around a woman: Madame Clicquot. A brilliant woman, Madame Clicquot succeeded in establishing herself in the business world, becoming in just a few years "the great lady of Champagne. » Guided by an innate sense of innovation and a perpetual quest for perfection, she would come to invent the riddling table and create the first blended rosé champagne. Veuve Clicquot has set for itself an uncompromising mission, to create "Only one level of quality, the very highest". The Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne House has been a pioneer in packaging with its iconic orange-yellow label, the model for which was trademarked in 1877.

The vineyard
Expanding over 390 hectares, the House of Veuve Clicquot has one of the largest vineyard homdings in Champagne. This vineyard is also exceptional in its quality, as it is spread over 12 of the 17 Grands Crus and 20 of the 44 Premiers Crus of Champagne.

The wine
An original and unique creation by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, La Grande Dame 2012 pays tribute to the great lady of Champagne, Madame Clicquot. The artist has honoured the pea and the flower, her signatures, which decorate both the case and the bottle of La Grande Dame 2012. Faithful to Madame Clicquot's wishes, La Grande Dame 2012 celebrates Pinot Noir, the flagship grape of the house, and the origin of the vinous nature and structure of Veuve Clicquot champagnes.

The vintage
A capricious year, 2012 exceeded the expectations of winegrowers by proving to be an exceptional vintage. While the beginning of the season was difficult, this 2012 vintage displays the sunshine and heat which eventually prevailed. The 2012 was characterised by perfectly ripe fruit, the finesse and complexity of Pinot Noir in beautifully balanced wines. Despite a small quantity of grapes harvested, the quality convinced the Cellar Master to declare this 2012 vintage and produce a new edition of La Grande Dame.

The blend
Pinot Noir represents 90% of the blend in the 2012 vintage of La Grande Dame with grapes harvested from historic Grands Crus such as Aÿ, Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay and Bouzy. The remaining 10% is Chardonnay from the Grands Crus of Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger.

The tasting
The Nose

Delicate and full of freshness, the aromatic bouquet opens with floral notes reminiscent of jasmine, honeysuckle and vine flowers. These are followed by notes evolving a fruitier register. Aromas of apple, pear and peach follow one another, accompanied by sweet fresh almonds and marzipan.

The Palate
On the palate, the La Grande Dame 2012 is characterised by its aromatic complexity, its power and its depth, while maintaining great elegance. The palate is silky in texture, revealing delicious flavours of dried fruit (apricot), as well as hazelnuts and honey.

Food & wine pairing
The Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012 by Yayoi Kusama will pair well with dishes featuring fresh vegetables seasoned with fresh herbs, or even with fruit.

Service Tips
To best appreciate the complexity of this great vintage champagne of Veuve Clicquot, it is advisable to serve it at a temperature between 10 and 12 °C.

Ageing potential
A Vintage Champagne from an exceptional year, La Grande Dame 2012 can be aged in the cellar until 2030-2035.