La Grande Dame 2012
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Marks and reviews
J. Suckling
Wine Spectator
Decanter
J. Robinson
Vinous - A. GalloniDescription
The excellence of Veuve Clicquot
The producer
Veuve Clicquot has become a brand with worldwide success, and the Veuve Clicquot myth was created thanks to a visionary and business-savvy woman: Madame Clicquot. François Clicquot married Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the daughter of Baron Nicolas Ponsardin, in 1789. Son of the founder of the Clicquot Champagne House, he passed on all of his passion to his wife, teaching her the secrets of champagne-making. When her husband passed away prematurely at the age of 27, she took over the running of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House with great determination and drive. Guided by an innate sense of innovation and constantly striving for perfection, she invented the revolutionary riddling table and released the first blended rosé champagne. Veuve Clicquot turned her uncompromising standards into her motto: "Only one quality, the finest".
The vineyard
Reigning over 390 hectares of land, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House owns one of the largest vineyards in the Champagne region. This vineyard also boasts exceptional quality, as it spreads over 12 of the 17 Grands Crus and 20 of the 44 Premiers Crus of the Champagne region.
The wine
La Grande Dame 2012 perfectly expresses the radiant maturity of the exceptional vintage and the finesse and complexity of Pinot Noir. The year began with capricious weather, including above-average rainfall, late frost, and hailstorms that devastated many vineyards. However, a warm and dry summer emerged, producing high-quality grapes reminiscent of the great vintages of 1989 and 2002.
This exceptional vintage champagne comprises a blend mainly from historical Grands Crus, with Pinot Noir dominating at 90%, sourced from Aÿ, Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, and Bouzy. The remaining 10% of Chardonnay comes from the prestigious Grands Crus of Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger. With a dosage of 6g/l, La Grande Dame 2012 reflects precision, balance, richness, and delicacy.
The vintage
The weather in 2012 posed significant challenges but ultimately yielded a remarkable harvest. Despite the modest quantity, the quality of the grapes convinced the Cellar Master to declare it a vintage year. Tastings of the base wines revealed depth, intensity, and perfect balance, making it a standout in the portfolio of Veuve Clicquot.
The blend
Pinot Noir (90%)
Chardonnay (10%)
Veuve Clicquot's La Grande Dame 2012: Characteristics and tasting tips
The tasting
Color
La Grande Dame 2012 showcases a beautiful golden hue.
Nose
The initial notes are floral, with jasmine, honeysuckle, and vine flowers giving way to fruity nuances of apple, pear, and peach. Hints of fresh almond and frangipane add complexity.
Palate
On the palate, the wine reveals deeper flavors of dried apricot, hazelnuts, honey, and sugar candy, showcasing a silky texture that enhances its elegance and character. The aging process imparts particular depth and power to the wine.
Food and wine pairing
La Grande Dame 2012 pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables, offering endless possibilities. Freshly picked vegetables, herbs, and fruits highlight the wine's expressive power. Consider pairing with quail, skate wing, or sea urchin to elevate the dining experience.
Service
To fully relish this precise and fine vintage champagne by Veuve Clicquot, serve between 10 and 12°C (50-54°F).
Cellaring
An exquisite champagne from a complex vintage, La Grande Dame 2012 can be cellared for 10 to 15 years, allowing it to further develop its character and depth.
