Enter the realm of opulence with Veuve Clicquot’s 2012 vintage, a quintessential celebratory Champagne. This year commemorates a significant milestone for the esteemed French house. Since its inception in 1772, Veuve Clicquot has epitomized innovation and mastery in the art of Champagne production.
The 2012 La Grande Dame stands as a paragon of craftsmanship. It embodies the brand’s dedication to superior quality and artistic expression. This vintage is distinguished by its exquisite bottle, adorned with designs by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Her unique floral motifs and polka dots infuse the packaging with a playful elegance.
Veuve Clicquot’s 2012 vintage is a testament to the brand’s lasting legacy. With annual sales exceeding 1.5 million cases, it’s evident that this Champagne house has a profound impact on wine enthusiasts globally. The United States alone imports 400,000 cases annually, underscoring its widespread acclaim across the Atlantic.
Key Takeaways
- Veuve Clicquot’s 2012 vintage is a celebration of excellence
- La Grande Dame 2012 features artwork by Yayoi Kusama
- The brand sells over 1.5 million cases of Champagne yearly
- 400,000 cases are exported to the United States annually
- Veuve Clicquot has a rich history dating back to 1772
- The 2012 vintage showcases the brand’s commitment to quality
The Legacy of Veuve Clicquot: A 200-Year Heritage
Veuve Clicquot, a celebrated Champagne house, has a storied past that spans over two centuries. Founded by Phillippe Clicquot-Muiron in 1772, this esteemed brand has profoundly influenced the sparkling wine industry.
Founding and Early Years
The Champagne house’s origins are rooted in Reims, France. Phillippe Clicquot-Muiron established the groundwork for a global emblem of luxury and innovation in winemaking.
Madame Clicquot’s Revolutionary Leadership
Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, known as Madame Clicquot, took control of the company in 1805 following her husband’s demise. As the first female to helm a Champagne house, she transformed the industry with her visionary leadership and pioneering spirit.
Innovation in Champagne Making
Madame Clicquot’s most groundbreaking achievement was the creation of the riddling rack. This innovation revolutionized Champagne production, enabling more efficient sediment removal. The house further pushed boundaries, pioneering the first vintage Champagne in 1810 and introducing rosé Champagne in 1818.
| Year | Innovation |
|---|---|
| 1810 | First vintage Champagne |
| 1818 | Introduction of rosé Champagne |
| 1835 | Signature yellow label introduced |
Today, Veuve Clicquot commands 390 hectares of vineyards, with 86% classified as Grand Cru or Premier Cru. The house’s dedication to quality and innovation remains steadfast, honoring Madame Clicquot’s legacy. It stands as the largest Champagne producer in France.
Veuve Clicquot 2012: A Masterpiece in Making
The Veuve Clicquot 2012 vintage Champagne epitomizes the house’s unwavering pursuit of excellence. It showcases the pinnacle of Veuve Clicquot’s vineyard prowess, with 55% classified as Grand Cru and 40% as Premier Cru. The meticulous production process underscores the brand’s commitment to crafting superior Champagnes.
At its core, the Veuve Clicquot 2012 embodies the house’s signature Pinot Noir-dominant style. This grape variety imparts strength and structure, resulting in a Champagne that exudes both power and finesse. Each sip reveals the exceptional terroir of the Champagne region, highlighting the vineyard’s quality.
The 2012 vintage is a landmark in Veuve Clicquot’s history, marking the 200th anniversary of the house. It was celebrated alongside the prestigious Businesswoman Awards. This vintage honors Madame Clicquot, who took over the company in 1805 at 27, defying expectations and becoming a global pioneer in the Champagne industry.
| Vintage | Grape Composition | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veuve Clicquot 2012 | 90% Pinot Noir | Strong minerality, balanced freshness, immense ageing potential |
The production of this vintage Champagne is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail. From grape selection to bottling, every step is carefully executed. The result is a wine that harmoniously balances light, delicate notes with a bold body, encapsulating the essence of Veuve Clicquot’s winemaking expertise.
The Artistic Collaboration with Yayoi Kusama
Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame 2012 is distinguished by a unique art collaboration. The brand partnered with Yayoi Kusama, a renowned Japanese artist. This collaboration introduced a new dimension to the limited edition Champagne.
The Symbolic Floral Design
Kusama’s contribution to La Grande Dame 2012 features a prominent floral motif. This emblematic flower embodies energy, love, and life. It aligns perfectly with the Champagne’s essence, rendering each bottle a masterpiece.
Polka Dots and Champagne Bubbles
Kusama’s signature polka dots were transformed into effervescent Champagne bubbles for this project. These dots adorn the packaging, imbuing it with a playful and distinctive character. They beautifully encapsulate the effervescence and joy inherent in La Grande Dame 2012.
Limited Edition Packaging
The collaboration culminated in exquisite limited edition Champagne bottles. These bottles are highly sought after, symbolizing more than just a beverage. Kusama also created 100 numbered sculptures, titled “My Heart That Blooms in The Darkness of The Night.” These copper and resin pieces are adorned with her iconic dots.
This union between Veuve Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama merges art and Champagne, appealing to both aficionados of art and wine. La Grande Dame 2012 transcends mere taste, offering a visual spectacle as well.
Tasting Profile and Character
The Veuve Clicquot 2012 vintage presents a remarkable Champagne flavor profile. This year faced significant challenges, with a 40% reduction in production due to frosts. Despite these obstacles, the unique weather conditions in Champagne resulted in a vintage of outstanding quality.
Visual Characteristics
The 2012 vintage boasts a brilliant golden hue, captivating the eye with its persistent effervescence. The bubbles dance gracefully, hinting at the wine’s lively character.
Aromatic Composition
The aroma of this Champagne is complex and enticing. It offers delicate hints of toasted notes, lightly candied citrus fruit, and dried fruits. The nose reflects the perfect balance achieved in the vineyards, where abundant rainfall until mid-July was followed by a dry, hot August.
Palate Experience
On the palate, the 2012 Veuve Clicquot strikes a harmonious balance between boldness and acidity. The tasting notes reveal a gentle, fizzy character that dances on the tongue. This vintage is known for its fruity profile with a sneaky acidity, offering immediate pleasure while promising excellent aging potential.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Brilliant gold |
| Effervescence | Persistent and remarkable |
| Aroma | Toasted notes, candied citrus, dried fruits |
| Taste | Bold yet balanced, with gentle fizz |
| Aging Potential | 15 years |
The 2012 Veuve Clicquot exemplifies the unique characteristics of the Champagne region. Its distinctive soil composition and climate contribute to a wine of exceptional quality. This vintage promises a delightful experience for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.
La Grande Dame: The Prestige Cuvée
La Grande Dame epitomizes Veuve Clicquot’s winemaking mastery. Introduced in 1972, it commemorated the house’s 200th anniversary. The 2012 vintage upholds this tradition of excellence, embodying Madame Clicquot’s legacy.
The 2012 La Grande Dame exemplifies Veuve Clicquot’s dedication to quality. It is predominantly Pinot Noir, sourced from historic crus and grands crus. The blend is completed with 10% Chardonnay from Mesnil sur Oger and Avize, achieving a perfect balance.
This luxury wine edition reflects the brand’s evolution. Under Madame Clicquot’s leadership, production began with 100,000 bottles annually. Today, Veuve Clicquot produces nearly 20 million bottles, showcasing its remarkable growth.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grape Composition | 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay |
| Dosage | 6 grams/liter |
| Price | £160 |
| Availability | Pre-order from Selfridges.com (Oct 27, 2020) |
| Official Launch | Selfridges (Nov 9, 2020) |
The 2012 vintage is celebrated for its approachability and generosity. This prestige Champagne offers a unique tasting experience, mirroring the solar year’s essence. La Grande Dame 2012 transcends mere consumption; it’s a tribute to Veuve Clicquot’s storied past and its ongoing commitment to luxury winemaking.
The Perfect Blend: Grape Composition
Veuve Clicquot’s 2012 vintage exemplifies a superior Champagne blend, showcasing the expertise of this esteemed house. Spanning 390 hectares across 12 Grands Crus and 20 Premiers Crus, Veuve Clicquot has access to premier grape varieties. This access is pivotal in crafting their exceptional creations.
Pinot Noir Dominance
Pinot Noir forms the core of this vintage, constituting 51% of the blend. It imparts strength and structure, enhancing the wine’s complexity and aging potential. Pinot Noir excels in Champagne’s cool climate, where high rainfall is balanced by forested areas.
Chardonnay Integration
Chardonnay, making up 34% of the blend, contributes elegance and finesse. This variety is prevalent in Champagne, adding crisp acidity and floral notes to the final product.
Pinot Meunier Balance
The blend’s remaining 15% is Pinot Meunier, which brings fruity characteristics and softness. This variety balances the acidity, adding a fresh touch to the Champagne.
The 2012 vintage faced weather instability, yet yielded ripe and balanced grapes. The meticulous selection of grape varieties ensures a Champagne with a 15-year storage potential. It is recommended to drink this exquisite blend by 2027. Serving it at 10-12°C will unveil its complex flavor profile.
Food Pairing Recommendations
Veuve Clicquot 2012 presents an array of champagne food pairings, enriching gourmet dining experiences. This vintage, the 66th from the Maison, is a unique blend of 51% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier. Its versatility is evident in various culinary suggestions, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
Seafood Selections
The Veuve Clicquot 2012 pairs exquisitely with seafood. Enjoy it with Sunomono Oysters at KYU NYC for $68, or alongside Lobster Rolls at Craft New York. These pairings highlight the champagne’s crisp notes, complementing the sea’s flavors.
Cheese Combinations
Soft, mild cheeses are perfect companions for this vintage. The champagne’s acidity balances the richness of cheese, creating a harmonious taste. Discover cheese and wine pairings at various New York restaurants, from SoHo to Brooklyn Heights.
Main Course Pairings
For heartier options, consider the American Wagyu Burger at Peak with Priceless, priced at $37. The RBG Burger at The Regency Bar & Grill, paired with Veuve Clicquot Rosé, offers another delightful choice. These pairings demonstrate the champagne’s ability to enhance diverse flavors.
These special pairings are available for limited times across New York City. Whether you choose a glass, bottle, or magnum of Veuve Clicquot, each sip promises to elevate your culinary journey. Always enjoy responsibly and only if you’re 21 or older.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Ensuring the right champagne storage and serving temperature is essential for fully enjoying Veuve Clicquot 2012. This vintage cuvée can be stored unopened for five to ten years, allowing its flavors to mature. For optimal preservation, store the bottle in a cool, dark environment with a consistent temperature between 10°C and 13°C.
When it’s time to serve, chill the Champagne to the ideal temperature of 8°C to 10°C. This range preserves the delicate balance of flavors and aromas, ensuring the perfect effervescence. Remember, each bottle contains about five to six atmospheric pressure, so handle with care!
To fully appreciate the Veuve Clicquot 2012, serve it in a Champagne flute. This glass shape preserves the bubbles and enhances the aromatic experience. The wine’s 13.5% alcohol content makes it suitable for immediate enjoyment or further cellaring.
| Storage Recommendation | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term storage | 10°C-13°C | 5-10 years |
| Serving temperature | 8°C-10°C | Immediate consumption |
By adhering to these storage and serving guidelines, every glass of Veuve Clicquot 2012 will be a celebration-worthy experience.
Conclusion
Veuve Clicquot’s 2012 vintage is a shining example of the brand’s legacy in luxury Champagne. Since 1818, Madame Clicquot’s pioneering work in creating the first “rosé d’assemblage” has set the stage for their ongoing excellence. This vintage, a masterful blend of 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay, exemplifies the house’s skill in producing top-tier sparkling wines.
This vintage collectible has garnered high praise, with Wine Advocate awarding it 94 points and Wine Spectator giving it 95. Its 12.5% ABV and balanced dosage levels between 6-8g/L ensure a harmonious mix of strength and sweetness. With a drinking window from 2023 to 2040, it promises a long and satisfying experience for those who choose to savor it.
The 2012 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame Brut Rose, priced at $798.99, is the epitome of luxury Champagne. Crafted in France’s Champagne region and aged in extensive cellar tunnels, it represents a blend of tradition and innovation. As a member of the LVMH group, Veuve Clicquot remains at the forefront of creating exceptional sparkling wines. The 2012 vintage is, thus, a crucial addition for any serious collector or connoisseur.
RelatedRelated articles
- 10 Mar 2025·1 min readHow to Use a Champagne Saber: A Beginner’s GuideArticle
Champagne sabering transforms the act of opening a bottle into a grand spectacle. This tradition, born in the Napoleonic era, has evolved from a military ritual to a symbol of luxury and celebration. Today, it’s cherished at festive events glob...