Veuve Cliquot La Grand Dame Special Edition Yayoi Kusama 2012

1. Winery Background:

Veuve Clicquot is one of the oldest and most iconic Champagne houses, founded in 1772 in Reims, France. The house became famous under the leadership of Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, known as the “Grand Dame of Champagne,” who took over the business after her husband’s death. Madame Clicquot pioneered techniques like riddling to produce crystal-clear Champagne and pushed the boundaries of innovation in winemaking. Veuve Clicquot’s prestige cuvée, La Grande Dame, was first released in 1962 to celebrate the house’s bicentennial and pays homage to her legacy.

2. The Producer:

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is the producer behind this wine. Known for crafting bold, structured Champagnes with a predominance of Pinot Noir, the house has maintained a reputation for quality, innovation, and elegance.

3. The Vineyard:

La Grande Dame is made from Grand Cru vineyards owned by Veuve Clicquot in eight legendary Champagne villages, including Ay, Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Verzy for Pinot Noir, and Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger for Chardonnay. These are some of the most prestigious vineyard sites in Champagne, renowned for their ability to produce grapes of exceptional quality.

4. The Wine:

La Grande Dame is Veuve Clicquot’s flagship prestige cuvée, representing the pinnacle of the house’s craftsmanship. It is produced only in exceptional vintages and is a blend dominated by Pinot Noir, with a smaller proportion of Chardonnay to add elegance and finesse. The 2012 edition was made in collaboration with the famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, whose signature polka dot design and artistic style decorate the bottle, symbolizing celebration and vitality.

5. The Vintage:

The 2012 vintage in Champagne was outstanding, with ideal growing conditions marked by warm weather, a sunny autumn, and relatively low yields. This allowed for slow, even ripening, which resulted in wines of excellent concentration, structure, and balance. The 2012 vintage has been highly praised for its exceptional aging potential.

6. Vinification and Aging:

The wine is vinified using the traditional Champagne method. The primary fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity and freshness of the fruit. La Grande Dame 2012 undergoes an extended aging period on the lees in the bottle for approximately 8 years, which helps develop its complexity, richness, and creamy texture. This aging process contributes to the wine’s depth and elegance.

7. The Grapes:

• Pinot Noir (90%): Sourced from Veuve Clicquot’s Grand Cru vineyards, Pinot Noir gives the wine its body, structure, and intensity.

• Chardonnay (10%): Adds elegance, finesse, and brightness to the blend, balancing the richness of the Pinot Noir.

8. Tasting Notes:

• Color: Pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles.

• Nose: A complex bouquet of white flowers, fresh peach, pear, and citrus zest, along with more mature notes of toasted brioche, vanilla, and hazelnuts.

• Palate: Full-bodied, rich, and silky, with a vibrant core of stone fruits, citrus, and red berries. The Champagne has a beautiful balance between freshness and creamy texture, with hints of minerality and a long, elegant finish with a subtle toastiness.

9. Food and Wine Pairing:

La Grande Dame 2012 pairs well with luxurious and refined dishes:

• Seafood: Lobster, scallops, oysters, and crab.

• Poultry: Roasted quail or chicken with rich sauces, especially truffle-based sauces.

• Cheese: Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert, as well as aged Parmesan.

• Vegetarian: Dishes with white truffle, roasted vegetables, or mushroom risotto.

• Asian cuisine: Sashimi or lightly spiced dishes with umami flavors.

10. Service:

Serve the wine at a temperature of around 10-12°C (50-54°F) to fully appreciate its complexity and freshness. Use a traditional Champagne flute or a tulip-shaped glass to allow the aromas to fully develop.

11. Storage:

This Champagne has excellent aging potential. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place at a consistent temperature of around 10-15°C (50-59°F). While it is already showing beautifully, it can age for another 10-15 years, gaining even more depth and complexity over time.

Scores:

• Wine Spectator: 97 points

• Wine Enthusiast: 98 points

• Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate): 96 points

• James Suckling: 98 points

This collaboration between Veuve Clicquot and Yayoi Kusama results in a Champagne that is both visually stunning and exceptionally crafted, making it a perfect choice for celebrations or as a collector’s item.