Veuve Clicquot : Vintage 1989

Tasting notes and advice for Veuve Clicquot Vintage 1989

Tasting

Appearance
A deep golden hue with brilliant highlights is revealed, enlivened by a very fine and persistent effervescence.

Nose
Initially surprisingly fresh, the bouquet reveals citrus aromas such as lemon zest and orange, intertwined with subtle floral touches. With aeration, it gains complexity, developing evolved notes of dried fruits, toasted hazelnuts, honey, quince, along with delicate roasted and pastry nuances.

Palate
The attack is clean and lively, leading to a full-bodied and perfectly balanced palate. Indulgent flavors of ripe and dried fruits emerge, enhanced by hints of spice, crunchy hazelnut, and a subtle chocolatey depth. The finish stands out for its breadth and remarkable length.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs wonderfully with delicate seafood such as scallops or crab, as well as white fish. Its complex structure also enhances richer dishes such as buttered lobster, mushroom-based preparations, or a selection of aged cheeses like Comté and Gruyère.

Serving and cellaring

This Vintage 1989 has demonstrated exceptional aging potential and can be enjoyed until at least 2025.

The elegance and complexity of an exceptional vintage champagne

The estate

Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, the renowned House of Veuve Clicquot was truly revolutionized by the boldness of Madame Clicquot at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Located in the heart of the Champagne region in France, the estate now oversees an exceptional 382-hectare vineyard spread across the finest crus. Globally recognized for its uncompromising quality standards, the brand has belonged to the LVMH group since 1987 and is currently led by Thomas Mulliez. Its vast chalk cellars house wines of remarkable richness.

The vineyard

The estate extends across a mosaic of prestigious terroirs throughout Champagne, encompassing a large majority of plots classified as Grand Cru and Premier Cru. The vines benefit from a privileged geographical location, notably on the Côte des Blancs, the Montagne de Reims, and the Vallée de la Marne. Committed to sustainable viticulture, the house has eliminated the use of herbicides and promotes biodiversity through the planting of hedgerows and cover crops. Harvesting is carried out exclusively by hand to preserve the integrity of each grape.

The vintage

The year 1989 in Champage stands out for particularly hot and dry climatic conditions. After a mild winter and spring that encouraged early budbreak, a severe frost episode struck the vineyard at the end of April. Fortunately, certain key areas were spared. Summer then set in with very sunny days and high temperatures from mid-June, ensuring optimal ripening of the grapes. The harvest began under the best auspices in early September, delivering grapes in impeccable health and with great sugar richness.

Winemaking and aging

The production of Vintage 1989 is based on a rigorous selection of juices, retaining only the cuvée, meaning the first press of the highest quality. Malolactic fermentation is carried out with precision thanks to strict temperature control. The wine then benefits from extended aging on lees in the historic cellars of the House. This long maturation allows the development of unique aromatic complexity before release.

Grape varieties

This Vintage 1989 from Veuve Clicquot is made from 66% pinot noir and 34% chardonnay.