Veuve Clicquot Brut Le Grande Dame | Champagne | 1996 - Vivino Rating 4.4

Intro: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is a French Champagne house based in Reims, specializing in premium products. It was founded in 1772 by Adolcia and is one of the largest^[2] champagne houses in the world. Madame Clicquot is credited with major breakthroughs, creating the first known vintage champagne in 1810, and inventing the riddling table process to clarify champagne in 1816. In 1818, she invented the first known blended rosé champagne by blending still red and white champagne wines.^[10] This process is still used today by the majority of champagne producers.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Madame Clicquot made strides in establishing her wine in royal courts throughout Europe, notably that of Imperial Russia. She played an important role in establishing champagne as a favored drink of high society and nobility throughout Europe.

Winery: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Region: Champagne 

Grapes: Champagne Blend 

Aging: French Oak Barrels

Tasting Notes: Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 95 Points: “Tightly-packed with notes of citrus oil, orange rind, white peach, honeysuckle, and brioche, the medium to full-bodied 1996 La Grande Dame Brut should age well for 15-20 years. Crisp, fresh, and backward, it is another brilliant example from the exquisite 1996 vintage.” (RP) Dec 2005

Rating: 4.6 v

ABV: 12.5%  Decant: 2hrs  Serving temp: 16-18 °C  Pairing: Beef, Lamb, Game (deer Venison) , Poultry