The producer
Veuve Clicquot (pronounciation: Vuhv Klee-ko) is today recognized as a globally successful brand, with a fascinating history revolving around one woman: Madame Clicquot. It was in 1798 that François Clicquot married the daughter of Baron Nicolas Ponsardin. Son of the founder of the Maison de Champagne Clicquot, he passed on all his passion to his wife, teaching her the many secrets of champagne making. When her husband died prematurely, at the age of 27, the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin took over the reins of Champagne Veuve Clicquot. Guided by an innate sense of innovation and a perpetual quest for perfection, she was responsible for the invention of the riddling table and was the first in the region to market a blended rosé champagne. The flagship of the Champagne House remains the Veuve Clicquot Brut, though the portfolio now also includes the Veuve Clicquot Rose and La Grande Dame cuvées.
The vineyard
Owner of 390 hectares, Maison Veuve Clicquot owns one of the largest vineyards in Champagne. This vineyard also stands out for its exceptional quality, as it is spread over 12 of the 17 Grands Crus and 20 of the 44 Premiers Crus of Champagne.
The wine
It was in 1818 that Madame Clicquot produced the very first blended rosé champagne. Even today, this cuvée, resulting from a rigorous selection from 50 to 60 different plots, seduces with its rich aromatic palette and its liveliness on the palate.
The vinification and aging
Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé is aged in the house's chalk cellars for a minimum of 3 years.
The blend
This Veuve Clicquot Rosé is made from a blend reminiscent of the Brut Yellow Label style, namely 50 to 55% Pinot Noir, 15 to 20% Pinot Meunier and 28 to 33% Chardonnay. This blend is completed with 12% still wine vinified in red.
The tasting
Color
The color is a beautiful coppery orange.
Nose
The nose is quite expressive, revealing fragrances of very ripe strawberries and wild strawberries.
Palate
Full-bodied and well-structured, the palate seduces with its vinosity, freshness, length and generous character through delicious fruit aromas (fresh red fruits, dried fruits), biscuits and pastry.
The service
This Veuve Clicquot Rosé champagne can be enjoyed best when served at a temperature of 8-10 ° C.
Food and wine pairings
The Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé will pair beautifully with tomato-based starters, tuna, beef carpaccio, duck or desserts with red fruits.
The NV Brut Rose is a straightforward, accessible wine to enjoy over the next year or two. With a little additional refinement in the tannins, this bottling might merit a slightly higher score. This is Lot 14009917, disgorged between December, 2006 and January, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010.