Veuve Clicquot
Summary
Founded in 1775 and now part of LVMH, Veuve Clicquot operates from Reims with 390 hectares of vineyards across Champagne's Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages, focusing on traditional method sparkling wines from chalk-rich soils. The house maintains its classic approach through complete malolactic fermentation, extended aging in chalk caves, and precise temperature-controlled fermentation under Cellar Master Didier Mariotti.
Heritage & Leadership
Founded in 1775 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron in Reims, Veuve Clicquot's identity was fundamentally shaped by Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, who took control of the house in 1805 following her husband François Clicquot's death. Under her leadership, the house developed the first riddling table in 1816, revolutionizing champagne clarification. This innovation remains fundamental to champagne production worldwide. The house became part of the LVMH group in 1987, maintaining its historical base in Reims. Current Cellar Master Didier Mariotti continues the house's technical legacy, marking only the 11th chef de cave since founding.
Vineyards & Wines
Veuve Clicquot owns 390 hectares of vineyards across Champagne's premier growing regions. The holdings span 12 of the 17 Grand Cru villages and 20 of the 44 Premier Cru sites. The vineyards divide between the Montagne de Reims (predominately Pinot Noir), Côte des Blancs (Chardonnay), and Vallée de la Marne (Pinot Meunier). The house maintains access to all three primary Champagne varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. The chalk-rich soils, characteristic of the region, provide essential drainage and minerality. Underground chalk caves, extending 24 kilometers, provide optimal aging conditions at a constant 11°C.
Philosophy & Practice
Veuve Clicquot adheres to traditional champagne production methods while incorporating modern precision. All wines undergo complete malolactic fermentation. The house maintains a minimum three-year aging period for non-vintage wines, exceeding the legal requirement. Reserve wines, crucial for maintaining house style consistency, age in stainless steel tanks. The production process utilizes gravity flow in the new winery, completed in 2009, to minimize pump-over stress on the wines. Climate-controlled stainless steel tanks allow precise fermentation temperature management. The house maintains extensive library stocks of reserve wines, some dating back 25 years, ensuring style consistency across vintages.