Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 is a prestige champagne entirely centered around Pinot Noir, thus remaining true to Madame Clicquot's vision: black grapes yield the most refined white wines. This cuvée was introduced in 1972 to celebrate the house's bicentennial and has since become a symbol of style, precision, and power. The 2018 vintage, also the 25th vintage of La Grande Dame, is characterized by exceptional ripeness and balance, the result of a contrasting yet highly favorable growing season.
The grapes come from France, from the Champagne region, where Veuve Clicquot works with a selection of historically strong Pinot Noir plots. Pinot Noir forms the backbone of La Grande Dame and defines the wine's character. A particularly wet winter followed in 2018, followed by a sunny spring and a long, warm summer, which resulted in optimal ripening. These conditions yielded grapes with concentration and fresh tension, precisely the combination needed for a champagne with longevity and finesse.
La Grande Dame 2018 is blended from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The focus is on precision and purity, with vinification that preserves the natural expression of the grapes. The dosage is 6 g/l, giving the wine a dry, refined style without harshness. Bottle aging contributes complexity and texture while maintaining freshness. This approach results in a champagne that is already elegant but also clearly poised for further development.
Pinot Noir – Champagne
Pinot Noir makes up 90% of the blend and provides depth, structure and aromatic power.
Chardonnay – Champagne
Chardonnay, 10%, brings freshness and tension and refines the whole.
