Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old
An intense gold colour, crossed by a very fine bead. The nose opens on the freshness of citrus fruits, grapefruit and lemon, then gives way to almond and hazelnut, brioche, frangipane and toasted bread, with a floral touch of linden and lemon verbena. The attack is lively and saline: grapefruit…
THE CUVÉES OF MAISON VEUVE CLICQUOTThe expert verdict
The structure of this champagne
TASTING NOTES
An intense gold colour, crossed by a very fine bead. The nose opens on the freshness of citrus fruits, grapefruit and lemon, then gives way to almond and hazelnut, brioche, frangipane and toasted bread, with a floral touch of linden and lemon verbena. The attack is lively and saline: grapefruit zest, lime, yuzu, then lightly roasted almond and a hint of sweet spices, white pepper and ginger. Dosed at only 3 g/L, the finish remains crisp and saline, on brioche and toasted bread. Serve between 8 and 10 °C; this fifth edition can still wait for more than fifteen years in the cellar.
The composition
Terroirs
Extra Brut Extra Old contains only reserve wines, drawn from the collection that Veuve Clicquot has been building for decades in Reims — one of the largest in Champagne. This fifth edition blends seven of them, from the years 1996, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015: 50% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay, 20% meunier, with pinot noir leading the blend as always at the house. The wine ages twice: first in tank, on fine lees, until it becomes a reserve wine; then in bottle, for at least three years on the lees until disgorgement. Dosage of 3 g/L, 12% vol.
About this house
Founded in Reims in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, the house owes its name and its daring to Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the widow Clicquot, who took the helm in 1805, at the age of 27. We owe to her the region's first known millésimé champagne, in 1810, the riddling rack, in 1816, which finally gave clear wines, and the first rosé d'assemblage, in 1818, born from the marriage of her red wines from Bouzy and her white wines.
Extra Brut Extra Old was born from the house's collection of reserve wines, today overseen by cellar master Didier Mariotti. Launched in 2017, it is Veuve Clicquot's first extra brut outside the old vintages of the Cave Privée: reserve wines alone, a double ageing process, and a reduced dosage of 3 g/L. Each edition changes years, never its idea.
The perfect pairing
Aperitif
The wine's salinity and its citrus notes, yuzu and lime, respond well to vinegared rice and raw fish; the 3 g/L dosage leaves the umami intact.
Starter
The lime in the ceviche finds its echo in the grapefruit and yuzu zest; the very fine bead and saline tension stand up to the marinade.
Main course
Brioche, roasted almond and half pinot noir give the wine the structure to match a creamy sauce; its saline liveliness lightens the richness.
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