Veuve Clicquot

Awards & Recognition

La Grande Dame regularly scores 95–98 points (Wine Spectator, James Suckling, Decanter)
Wine & Spirits Magazine Top 100 Wineries
Brut Yellow Label is one of the world’s most recognized and best-selling Champagnes
Winner of multiple International Wine Challenge and Decanter awards

About Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot is one of the most prestigious Champagne houses in the world and a symbol of French luxury, innovation, and resilience. Based in Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region, the house was founded in 1772 and rose to prominence under the leadership of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, the legendary “Veuve” (widow) Clicquot.

The estate owns some of the best vineyards in Champagne, including parcels in the esteemed Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, with chalky soils ideal for producing wines of structure, finesse, and age-worthiness. Known for its rich, Pinot Noir-dominant style and signature yellow label, Veuve Clicquot crafts a full range of Champagnes, from its non-vintage Brut to prestige cuvée La Grande Dame.

Now part of the LVMH group, the house blends tradition and innovation to remain one of the most iconic Champagne brands globally.

History

Founding and Early Years (1772–1805)

Philippe Clicquot founded the house in 1772 with the goal of exporting Champagne across Europe. The house quickly built a reputation for quality, but its true transformation came after a family tragedy.

The Widow Clicquot Era (1805–1866)

At age 27, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot took over the house after her husband's death—an almost unheard-of move for a woman at the time. She revolutionized Champagne by inventing the riddling table (to clarify the wine), refining the méthode champenoise, and daringly shipping Champagne through wartime blockades. Under her leadership, Veuve Clicquot became a global name.

Expansion and Prestige (1866–1987)

Following Madame Clicquot’s death, the house continued to grow, building one of the region’s most extensive chalk cellars and expanding vineyard holdings. Its yellow label Brut became a symbol of quality and celebration worldwide.

LVMH Era (1987–Present)

Now part of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Veuve Clicquot continues to thrive as a flagship luxury brand. Innovations like sustainable viticulture, vintage expressions, and bold marketing campaigns have kept the house both traditional and forward-thinking.

Wine Styles

Non-Vintage Champagne

The Brut Yellow Label is the house’s signature cuvée: structured, Pinot Noir-forward (typically around 50–55%), with Chardonnay adding elegance and Meunier contributing fruitiness. It is aged for at least 3 years on the lees and shows notes of baked apple, brioche, and citrus zest.

Vintage & Prestige Cuvées

Vintage Veuve Clicquot is produced only in exceptional years, showcasing complexity and aging potential. La Grande Dame, named in honor of Madame Clicquot, is the prestige cuvée—a refined, powerful wine made predominantly from Grand Cru Pinot Noir with extended aging.

Rosé Champagne

Veuve Clicquot Rosé is one of the first ever made (since 1818), blending still red Pinot Noir into the Brut base. It is celebrated for its vibrant red fruit, elegance, and food-pairing versatility.

Demi-Sec & Rich Styles

Sweeter styles like Rich and Rich Rosé are designed for mixology and offer a fruit-forward, approachable profile perfect for cocktails and warmer climates.

Wine Portfolio

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

The Signature of the House

Blend:

~55% Pinot Noir, ~30% Chardonnay, ~15% Meunier

Awards & Recognition:

91 Wine Spectator

Gold – Decanter World Wine Awards

Veuve Clicquot Rosé

A Rosé with Historical Roots

Blend:

Similar to Yellow Label with 12–14% still red Pinot Noir

Awards & Recognition:

92 James Suckling

Silver – IWSC

La Grande Dame

Prestige Cuvée in Honor of the Widow

Blend:

90–95% Pinot Noir, 5–10% Chardonnay (varies by vintage)

Awards & Recognition:

98 James Suckling (2008)

97 Wine Enthusiast (2012)

Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut

Aged Expression from a Single Year

Blend:

~60% Pinot Noir, ~30% Chardonnay, ~10% Meunier

Awards & Recognition:

93 Wine Advocate

Gold – Champagne Masters

Did You Know?

Madame Clicquot invented the riddling rack, a technique still used in Champagne production today.
Veuve Clicquot was the first house to produce a blended rosé Champagne commercially (1818).
The yellow label color was trademarked in 1877 and remains one of the most recognizable Champagne labels in the world.
The chalk cellars in Reims, originally carved by Romans, stretch over 24 kilometers beneath the city.
Veuve Clicquot has a sustainability mission called "EcoYellow," aiming for zero herbicides and full carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Widow Who Sparked a Champagne Revolution

Quick Facts

Specialty Grapes

Red Varieties

White Varieties

Awards & Recognition

About Veuve Clicquot

History

Founding and Early Years (1772–1805)

The Widow Clicquot Era (1805–1866)

Expansion and Prestige (1866–1987)

LVMH Era (1987–Present)

Wine Styles

Non-Vintage Champagne

Vintage & Prestige Cuvées

Rosé Champagne

Demi-Sec & Rich Styles

Wine Portfolio

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

Veuve Clicquot Rosé

La Grande Dame

Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut

Did You Know?