Veuve Clicquot Champagne

Veuve Clicquot champagne: a champagne legend

Foundation and beginnings

Veuve Clicquot Champagne, ein Name, der in der Welt des Champagners für Eleganz und Innovation steht, wurde 1772 in Reims was founded by Philippe Clicquot. Originally launched as a wine merchant under the Clicquot brand, the company's aim was to market the region's most exquisite wines. Philippe Clicquot could not have imagined the iconic status his brand would one day achieve.

The role of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin

François Clicquot, the founder's son, died in 1805, leaving behind his 28-year-old widow Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin (Veuve means "widow" in French). Against all expectations, the young widow took over the company and led it to international fame. Her vision and entrepreneurial spirit were unrivalled. Despite the turbulence of the Napoleonic Wars, she succeeded in exporting Veuve Clicquot champagne to the royal courts of Europe and beyond.

Barbe-Nicole was a pioneer in many respects. She invented the riddling process, which improved the fermentation process and increased the clarity of the champagne. Her tireless search for perfection led her to inspect the wine cellars even at night to ensure that her cuvées met the highest standards.

The legacy of innovation

One of their greatest innovations was the development of clear champagne, which was previously often cloudy. The riddling process allowed the yeast sediment to be removed efficiently, resulting in a clearer and higher quality product. This method was later adopted by many other champagne houses and is still a standard procedure in production today.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne La Grande Dame

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is perhaps best known for its prestigious champagne, La Grande Dame. This cuvée, named in honour of the founder, embodies the heritage and quality that Veuve Clicquot stands for. La Grande Dame is made from the best grapes from the house's oldest vineyards and is a symbol of excellence and refinement.

The expansion and role in the German sparkling wine industry

Veuve Clicquot's influence was not limited to France. Georg Christian von Kessler, who worked at Veuve Clicquot from 1807 to 1825/26, founded the first German sparkling wine cellar in Esslingen am Neckar in 1826. His experience and the knowledge he had acquired at Veuve Clicquot were decisive for the development of the German sparkling wine industry.

The era after Barbe-Nicole

After her retirement from the company in 1841, the cellar master Edouard Werlé became her successor. Madame Clicquot died in 1866 at the age of 89, but her legacy lived on. Edouard Werlé successfully continued to run the company, followed by his son Alfred Werlé in 1884.

Modernity and LVMH

Today, Veuve Clicquot Champagne is part of the LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), one of the world's leading luxury goods groups. Under this umbrella, Veuve Clicquot Champagne has further consolidated its position as one of the most prestigious champagne brands in the world.

Current vineyards and headquarters

Das Weingut von Veuve Clicquot Champagner umfasst heute etwa 390 Hektar, verteilt auf einige der besten Lagen in der Champagne, darunter Grands Crus und Premiers Crus. Die Hauptsitze des Unternehmens befinden sich nach wie vor in Reims, wo die historischen Keller, die in den Kreidefelsen der Region gegraben wurden, weiterhin als Lagerstätte für die Reifung der Weine dienen.

The legacy and the future

The heritage of Veuve Clicquot Champagne is characterised by innovation, quality and an unwavering dedication to the art of champagne making. The brand has maintained a reputation for excellence throughout the centuries and remains a symbol of French savoir-vivre. With La Grande Dame and other prestigious cuvées, Veuve Clicquot continues to set standards in the world of champagne.

Historical milestones

• 1772: Founded by Philippe Clicquot
• 1805Acquisition by Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin
• 1810: Introduction of the first vintage champagne
• 1816Invention of the vibration process by Barbe-Nicole
• 1841: Withdrawal of Barbe-Nicole from the company
• 1866Death of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin
• 1972: Introduction of La Grande Dame on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the house
• 1986Takeover by LVMH

The myth of Veuve Clicquot champagne

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is not just a champagne brand, it is a legend. The story of the "Grande Dame de la Champagne" and her visionary leadership has revolutionised the champagne industry and made the brand synonymous with luxury and quality. The combination of tradition and innovation remains at the heart of Veuve Clicquot, while the brand continues to set the highest standards in Champagne production.