La Grande Dame, the prestige cuvee of Veuve Clicquot was created in tribute to Madame Clicquot. The finest expression of the House style it is a wine of incomparable finesse.

THE VINTAGE

The spring of 2008 was cool and rainy. Thanks to an also cool but dry summer, the grapes ripened in excellent conditions. Several factors were taken into consideration to make 2008 a La Grande Dame cuvee in respecting tradition and the House’s quest for excellence: the exceptional quality of the grapes and most importantly a remarkable acidity which recalled other extraordinary Vintages at Veuve Clicquot such as 1995, 1985 and 1979.

La Grande Dame 2008 is an exclusive blend of 6 of the House’s 8 historical Grands Crus. The cuvee is made of 92% Pinot Noir (Ay, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay) and 8% Chardonnay (Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger).

As a constant hallmark of the House’s style, the predominance of Pinot Noir provides the structure that is so typically Veuve Clicquot. However, for this specific vintage of La Grande Dame 2008, the proportion of Pinot Noir was taken to another level (92%) by the Chef de Cave Dominique Demarville – one of the highest ever at Veuve Clicquot -– as a true testimony of Madame Clicquot’s heritage and a tribute to her fondness for structure and strength.

TASTING NOTES

The initial nose reveals a strong attack, both aerial and delicate. Upon being released it presents notes of dried fruits (almonds, figs, apricots), ripe white fruits (pears), and finally, subtle toasted notes of hazelnut and praline. Thus, those luscious pastry notes are well balanced with the blend’s freshness and clarity.

On the palate, the attack is strong and sharp. La Grande Dame 2008 bestows a silky texture upon young fruits, carried by citrus and red fruits (cherry) notes. The Pinot Noir, signature of the Veuve Clicquot’s style, shines extraordinarily by its freshness, minerality and power. La Grande Dame 2008 is a perfect combination of complexity, structure and strength.

PAIRING

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2008 is a great wine for gastronomy. This cuvee will pair extremely well with oysters, fish tartare, seafood or even chicken with sesame.