Veuve Clicquot : La Grande Dame 2012

Characteristics and tasting advice for Veuve Clicquot "La Grande Dame" 2012

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a generous golden hue, reflecting the high proportion of black grapes in this sparkling white blend.

Nose

The bouquet opens with delicate floral notes reminiscent of jasmine, honeysuckle, and vine blossom. With aeration, aromas of ripe fruits such as peach, apple, and pear emerge, accompanied by subtle hints of dried apricot, fresh almond, frangipane, and a light smoky touch.

Palate

The attack is marked by freshness, releasing flavors of citrus, honey, hazelnut, and dried apricot. The palate stands out for its silky texture and pronounced minerality, enriched by nuances of candied sugar and bitter orange peel. The whole offers fine tension and remarkable depth, leading into a persistent finish highlighted by a delicate mineral bitterness.

Food and wine pairings

This cuvée pairs beautifully with plant-based cuisine showcasing fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. It also enhances delicate seafood such as scallops or lobster, poached fish, as well as roasted white meats. Aged cheeses such as Gouda perfectly complete the experience.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate "La Grande Dame" 2012, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 50 and 54°F. This wine offers immense aging potential and can be enjoyed now or cellared until around 2030.

The elegance and minerality of a great champagne signed Veuve Clicquot

The estate

Founded in 1772, the Veuve Clicquot House is a true icon of Champagne. Revolutionized in the 19th century by the bold Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the company established its unique style and technical innovations worldwide. Now owned by the LVMH group and led by Thomas Mulliez, the brand oversees an exceptional 390-hectare estate. Renowned for its iconic yellow label and vast historic chalk cellars, the estate continues its constant pursuit of excellence.

The vineyard

Spanning the most prestigious terroirs of Champagne, the estate includes around a dozen Grands Crus and some twenty Premiers Crus. The vines thrive on shallow chalky soils, benefiting from optimal sunshine. Strongly committed to a sustainable approach, the House has banned the use of herbicides since 2018. The vineyard is now cultivated according to regenerative viticulture principles, incorporating cover cropping between rows, horse plowing, and sheep grazing to promote natural biodiversity.

The vintage

The year 2012 in Champagne was marked by particularly capricious weather conditions. Spring brought heavy rainfall, followed by late frosts and violent hailstorms that significantly impacted the vineyard. However, the situation changed dramatically from mid-August onward. The onset of dry, warm, and perfectly sunny weather through to harvest allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness, resulting in a limited-yield harvest of remarkable quality.

Winemaking and aging

The production of "La Grande Dame" 2012 is based on a long maturation process. The wine benefits from extended aging of at least seven years on lees, resting peacefully in the House’s famous underground chalk cellars, maintained at a constant temperature of 50 to 54°F. The disgorgement of this cuvée took place in September 2019.

Grape varieties

"La Grande Dame" 2012 from Veuve Clicquot is made from a blend of 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay.