L'Art du Pinot Noir

For over two hundred summers, Veuve Clicquot has cultivated ‘L’Art du Pinot Noir’ according to Madame Clicquot's vision. This delicate grape variety has an extraordinary ability to express the complexity of the Champagne terroir and to capture the uniqueness of remarkable years.

It has become our signature.

Madame Clicquot's vision

Ignoring conventional wisdom, Madame Clicquot recognized the unique potential of Pinot Noir.

Indeed, she made it the beating heart of Veuve Clicquot's oenological identity, acquiring ten of the Maison’s twelve iconic plots. This bold choice continues to shape the soul of our cuvées. These historic plots are mainly located on the Montagne de Reims, cradle of the finest Pinot Noir in Champagne.

Veuve Clicquot' Pinot Noir Vineyards with Yellow Background

Pinot Noir, the interpretation of champagne and its terroir

Expressing its full potential in a northern climate, this fragile yet powerful grape variety benefits from the region's cold, limestone soils, where it draws out its finesse and structure. Incredibly versatile, Pinot Noir interprets the terroir with subtlety, reflecting its nuances to reveal great complexity.

The cultivation of Pinot Noir is demanding and precise, requiring a long and rigorous winemaking process. Pinot Noir does not reveal itself immediately, an example of the virtue of patience.

La Grande Dame cuvée is the finest expression of l'Art du Pinot Noir.

La Grande Dame is more than a fine wine

In 1972, on the occasion of its bicentennial, the Maison presented the first vintage of La Grande Dame, a prestige cuvée to celebrate the determination and audacity of that inspirational woman known as ‘la grande dame de la Champagne.’

Starting with the 2008 vintage, the Maison took the bold step of integrating 90% Pinot Noir into the prestige cuvée blend. Echoing Madame Clicquot's insistence on excellence, the Cellar Master's work perpetuates this approach, finetuning the balance and tension between selected Pinot Noirs to achieve the unique oenological signature of La Grande Dame: elegance and precision. The 10% Chardonnay completes the blend, adding texture and complexity, providing a balanced, more saline, and finely crafted character.

La Grande Dame is more than a fine wine. It stands out where you least expect it, and never ceases to surprise.