In the radiant spirit of Veuve Clicquot, the Maison’s La Grande Dame 2015 was launched in South Africa in June. True to Madame Clicquot’s values of hope and optimism, it is an exceptional vintage offering a vibrant new expression with each release. This year’s colourful collaboration with artist Paola Paronetto is no different. In fact, it brings a fresh, artistic perspective to Veuve Clicquot’s celebrated solaire culture.
A Tribute to the icon herself, Veuve Clicquot
Maison Veuve Clicquot has upheld the bold, creative and innovative legacy of Madame Clicquot for more than 250 years. Known as ‘La Grande Dame de la Champagne,’ she pioneered the first vintage champagne in 1810. Six years later, in 1816, she pioneered the riddling process and two years thereafter, the first blended rosé champagne. La Grande Dame, the Maison’s prestigious cuvée, honours her remarkable contributions.
La Grande Dame exemplifies Veuve Clicquot’s winemaking excellence and savoir-faire. It offers a cuvée that embodies resilience, passion and a hopeful spirit, with each release presenting a new creative dimension to the Maison’s rich heritage.
Artisanship Meets Innovation
Jean-Marc Gallot, President and CEO of Veuve Clicquot says for the new vintage – which continues to embody the House’s excellence and their love for Pinot Noir – they collaborated with the talented Italian artist, Paola Paronetto.
Renowned for blending ancient art traditions with modern stylistic innovation, Paronetto brought her unique Paper Clay technique to this collaboration. Her creations are inspired by nature’s beauty and crafted from clay, cellulose fiber and water. Ultimately, they evoke the texture of corrugated cardboard and offer a graphic play of light and colour.
In line with Veuve Clicquot’s commitment to sustainability, Paronetto designed an elevated, reusable gift box using 60% hemp, 20% cotton and 20% non-wood fibers. In essence, this reflects the Maison’s pioneering spirit and dedication to conscious resource use.
READ: 10 THINGS YOU WOULD LOVE TO KNOW ABOUT CHAMPAGNE
Precision and Elegance
Madame Clicquot’s love for Pinot Noir shines through in the latest vintage, La Grande Dame 2015. In fact, she famously said: “Our black grapes give the finest white wines.” Still, this versatile grape variety demands the finest expertise from the Cellar Master. The 2015 vintage consists of over 90% Pinot Noir, complemented by a touch of Chardonnay (10%).
Elegantly showcasing the complexity of its historic vineyards – Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Ay – La Grande Dame 2015 expresses precision and elegance. The year 2015 was exceptional for Champagne, with favourable weather leading to a truly great vintage.
With its beautiful, sparkling, golden robe, La Grande Dame 2015 offers freshness and minerality on the nose. On the palate, you can expect light floral notes of jasmine and acacia, flowing into fruity notes of pear and clementine. A subtle, silky texture enhances the cuvée’s elegance.
Launching at R3 999.95, La Grande Dame 2015 is now available at select stores countrywide, as well as online.
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