2018 Champagne Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut

history of Veuve Clicquot and the legacy of La Grande Dame

Veuve Clicquot was founded in 1772 and gained worldwide fame thanks to Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known as Madame Clicquot. In 1805, as a young widow, she took over the company and established herself as a pioneer in the Champagne world. The cuvée La Grande Dame was first created as a tribute to her perseverance and vision. This prestige champagne has been the house's flagship ever since: an expression of power, elegance and character.

location and climate of the vineyards

The grapes for La Grande Dame 2018 come from a selection of Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims , Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs regions. These terroirs enjoy chalky soils and a cool, continental climate, resulting in long ripening and crisp acidity. The eastern and southern exposures favour ripeness and aromatic concentration, crucial to this tight and expressive style.

grape varieties and composition of La Grande Dame 2018

The 2018 edition is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay , sourced from eight historically selected Grands Crus, including Aÿ, Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay and Bouzy for the Pinot Noir, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Avize for the Chardonnay. This specific composition accentuates both power and finesse, with a focus on the structure of the Pinot Noir and the elegance of the Chardonnay.

vinification and bottle maturation

The grapes are vinified separately in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve freshness and purity. After blending, a long maturation of 8 years follows on the fine yeasts in the cellars of Veuve Clicquot in Reims. This sur-lie maturation gives the wine extra complexity, creaminess and depth, without losing freshness. The dosage is only 6 g/l , which ensures a dry, lively style.

scent, colour and taste of La Grande Dame 2018

The colour is bright golden yellow with fine and persistent mousse. On the nose the wine shows an expressive combination of ripe peach, apricot, citrus peel and toast , followed by notes of hazelnut, almond, white flowers and a subtle minerality. On the palate the champagne is lively and silky, with an energetic acidity, fine bubble structure and a long, slightly salty finish. The balance between power and elegance makes this cuvée unique.

2018 vintage and characteristics of the wine year

The 2018 harvest was exceptional in Champagne. A warm, dry summer produced perfectly healthy and ripe grapes , with a striking balance between sugar and acidity. The result is a wine that combines power and freshness, making it ideally suited to ageing.

serving tips and storage potential

La Grande Dame 2018 is best served at a temperature of 8–10 °C . Decanting is not necessary, but some aeration in the glass will enhance the aromatic layers. This champagne is already beautifully balanced, but will continue to develop for another 10 to 15 years with good storage. Ideal for special occasions or as a gastronomic accompaniment.

Would you like to order Veuve Clicquot Champagne wines online?

The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
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wine and food pairings with La Grande Dame 2018

1. Sea bass tartare with lime and basil oil
The refined acids and floral notes accentuate the fresh character of the fish.

2. Lobster ravioli with saffron sauce
The creaminess of the sauce and the sweet meat pair perfectly with the ripe peach and almond notes in the Champagne.

3. Baked scallops with cauliflower cream and beurre noisette
The nutty flavour of the sauce enhances the brioche and hazelnut nuances of the wine.

4. Asparagus with Hollandaise sauce and citrus zest
The freshness of the wine contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce and enlivens the asparagus.

5. Sous-vide chicken fillet with truffle and roasted celeriac
The combination of earthy tones and soft structure calls for an elegant, mineral champagne.

6. Rich turbot fillet with beurre blanc and caviar
A harmonious combination in which the salty accent of the caviar matches the subtle minerality of the wine.

The champagne from the 2018 vintage comes in a luxurious new La Grande Dame gift box consisting of two halves (top and bottom)