Veuve Clicquot : La Grande Dame 2015

Characteristics and tasting advice for La Grande Dame 2015 from Veuve Clicquot

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a brilliant golden hue, enhanced by a remarkably fine and persistent effervescence.

Nose
The nose first opens with mineral aromas reminiscent of oyster shell and green apple. With aeration, it reveals a beautiful floral complexity centered around jasmine and acacia, enriched by notes of citrus, honey, nutmeg, and a delicate hint of ginger.

Palate
The palate charms with its silky texture and perfect balance. It unfolds flavors of baked apple, blackberry, toasted brioche, and mandarin peel. Supported by a chalky, saline minerality, the finish is vibrant, creamy, and subtly marked by a noble bitterness.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs wonderfully with cuisine focused on seasonal vegetables, as well as with delicate dishes such as scallops, sea trout, or preparations highlighting both melting and crispy textures.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve La Grande Dame 2015 at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This wine can be enjoyed now, but its structure allows it to evolve favorably in the cellar until around 2035.

The pure and structured expression of a great vintage champagne by Veuve Clicquot

The estate

Founded in 1772 in Reims by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, the House of Veuve Clicquot saw its destiny transformed in 1805 when Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, a young widow, took the reins. A visionary, she revolutionized Champagne production, notably by inventing the riddling table. Guided by the demanding motto of pursuing only the finest quality, the estate has established itself worldwide. Now owned by the LVMH group and led by Thomas Mulliez, the House continues this legacy of excellence through emblematic cuvées that celebrate the power and finesse of the Champagne terroir.

The vineyard

The grapes come from eight historic villages in Champagne, classified as Grand Cru. The Pinot Noir draws its strength and freshness from the chalky terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, notably in Verzy, Verzenay, Aÿ, Bouzy, and Ambonnay. The Chardonnay, meanwhile, comes from the Côte des Blancs, from the prestigious terroirs of Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Committed to an environmentally respectful approach, the estate has banned the use of herbicides since 2018 and favors plot-by-plot manual harvesting.

The vintage

The year 2015 in Champagne stands out for its particularly sunny climatic conditions. The growing season benefited from generous sunshine and low rainfall, promoting optimal berry ripeness while maintaining measured phenolic development and a fine balance.

Winemaking and aging

The production of La Grande Dame 2015 begins with gentle pressing using historic presses, retaining only the first-press juices. Each plot and each grape variety are vinified separately to preserve their identity. After blending and the second fermentation in bottle, the wine undergoes extended aging of around eight years in the House’s majestic underground chalk cellars, protected from light and at a constant temperature, before disgorgement.

Grape varieties

La Grande Dame 2015 from Veuve Clicquot is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.