The 2018 La Grande Dame cuvée from Champagne Veuve Clicquot embodies the audacity and vision of Madame Clicquot, nicknamed "the grande dame of Champagne." Presented here in a bottle with a gift box, it celebrates the art of Pinot Noir, a noble grape variety that makes up 90% of the blend. The box set highlights this prestigious champagne, which stands out as one of the finest expressions of the Veuve Clicquot style.
With this 25th vintage, the House pays tribute to centuries-old expertise. La Grande Dame 2018 expressesthe ideal balance between intensity and finesse, reflecting a sunny and generous vintage.
The creation of La Grande Dame 2018
Blend
The cuvée is based on a blend centered on Pinot Noir, enhanced by the freshness of Chardonnay:
- Pinot Noir (90%) brings structure, fruity zest and aromatic depth that characterizes the House's style.
- Chardonnay (10%) lends elegance, saline tension, and a subtle floral freshness.
This predominance of Pinot Noir illustrates Madame Clicquot's vision: "Our black grapes produce the finest white wines."
Vintage 2018
2018 was one of the most generous years in recent decades. After a warm and sunny spring, the summer was marked by ideal weather conditions, producing grapes of exceptional maturity and rare balance. Pinot Noir, particularly at ease in these conditions, delivered powerful, concentrated wines full of energy. La Grande Dame 2018 reflects this abundance of sunshine, tempered by the natural tension of Chardonnay.
Vinification and aging
La Grande Dame 2018 was vinified and aged with the utmost care. Aged on lees for several years, it benefits from increased complexity and silky effervescence. The dosage of 6 g/L (Brut) highlights the purity and precision sought by the House.
Tasting notes
Color
The color of La Grande Dame 2018 is a brilliant, luminous gold, traversed by fine, persistent bubbles, reflecting a sunny vintage.
Nose
The nose reveals an intense aromatic palette dominated by citrus fruits (lemon, yuzu, grapefruit) and white fruits (pear, apple), enriched by springtime floral notes and a delicate saline minerality. With aeration, nuances of delicate red fruits and toasted bread appear.
Palate
On the palate, this champagne reveals a lively and precise attack, followed by a full-bodied and silky texture. Ripe citrus fruits, nectarine and ginger mingle with notes of fine pastries andsweet spices. The long, iodine-rich finish is marked by a saline freshness that prolongs the tasting experience with intensity.
Serving suggestions
- Flat oysters
- Scallop carpaccio
- Aquitaine caviar
- Roasted lobster with citrus fruits
- Bresse chicken with morel mushrooms
- Turbot with truffles
- Lemon meringue pie
- Citrus cheesecake
- Pavlova with exotic fruits
Storage and serving tips
Storage
Store bottles in a dark, stable cellar at a temperature of 10 to 12°C and a humidity of 70%. The boxed presentation offers additional protection against light and temperature variations.
Ageing potential
La Grande Dame 2018 can be enjoyed today for its intensity and freshness, but it has remarkable aging potential until 2040. With time, the aromas will evolve towards notes of honey, dried fruit, and an even creamier texture.
Serving
Serve between 9 and 11°C in a thin tulip glass. This temperature reveals the aromatic nuances without overwhelming the delicacy of the effervescence.
Anecdote
La Grande Dame was created in 1972 as a tribute to Madame Clicquot. The 2018 vintage is the 25th edition, marking an important milestone in the history of the House. Presented in a gift box, this cuvée embodies the marriage of audacity and tradition, faithful to the visionary spirit of "the grande dame of Champagne."
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