Vintage Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 1996

Lot presentation

Vintage Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 1996

The wine

Born in 1777, Nicole Barbe Ponsardin married François Clicquot in 1798. Widowed at 27, she took over her late husband’s business. While the rest of Europe was caught up in bloody conflict, she continued to export her wines across the globe. She was an audacious and inventive character and her Champagne was served in all the courts of Europe. Ever the stickler for perfection, she would pass through her cellars at night to check on the wines’ development. She invented remuage (“ridding”) and bought parcels of the best vineyards, as well as fighting actively against counterfeiting. Madame Veuve Clicquot passed away in 1866, aged 89.

About the Producer Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Born in 1777, Nicole Barbe Ponsardin married François Clicquot in 1798. Widowed at the age of 27, she resumed the business of her deceased husband. While Europe is ablaze, she managed to ship this champagne worldwide. Bold and imaginative, she presents her champagne all over Europe. Anxious to perfection, she visits the cellars at night to ensure the successful development of her vintages. She invented the riddling, bought plots in the best vineyards and actively fought against counterfeits. Madame Veuve Clicquot died in 1866 at the age of 89. Created in tribute to Madame Clicquot, La Grande Dame is marked by the pursuit of excellence: from the choice of grapes for this very special wine to the complexity of the blend composed of eight Grand Cru and the minimum ageing of six years to reach maturity, everything is done to create a great wine of Champagne.

Detailed characteristics