Do you know the amazing story about a strong female with a dream behind the famous yellow labeled wine? Veuve Clicquot is more than just a bottle of champagne. Veuve Clicquot or “Widow” Clicquot, is one of the the most well-known champagne brands in the world.
In fact, without Veuve Clicquot’s innovative spirit and determination, Champagne wouldn’t be where it is today. The unmistakable yellow label sticks out just like the champagne’s historical significance. Here are 10 things you should know about Veuve Clicquot.
1. It Was Founded Over 200 Years Ago
Philippe Clicquot was the founder of this now famous Champagne house in France back in 1772. That was 4 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed and adopted in the United States! Philippe was the son of bankers and textile merchants, but they owned a variety of vineyards on the side.
2. The WOMAN Behind it All
In 1805 Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, or Madame Clicquot as she is better known as, took over as the owner of the business. Her husband François Clicquot, the founder's son and heir to Veuve Clicquot had died from what many believe to be typhoid. Barbe and François were only married for 7 years before François’ unexpected death. This left the head-strong and business-minded Madame Clicquot in charge. She was a bit before her time, but she was determined to prove herself to the male-dominated business world.
3. Veuve Clicquot Means Widow Clicquot
4. It Created the First Ever Vintage Champagne
5. The Original "Rosé All Day"
6. It Invented the Riddling Rack
Champagne is made with yeast, and during fermentation these yeast particles are collected inside the bottle. Originally winemakers would have to remove yeast by transferring it from bottle to bottle. This was time consuming, costly, and could damage the wine due to it being exposed to the air. Madame Clicquot and the house’s cellar master created the riddling rack. This is a rack that allowed for the bottles to be stored upside down.
At regular intervals, workers turn the bottles, which allows for the yeast in the bottles to accumulate in the neck, making it easier to be removed before being sold. This also allowed for Champagne to be mass produced since this method was not as time consuming! There are many Champagne and sparkling wine makers that still use this method today.
7. The Famous Yellow Label
We know you’ve seen it! Veuve Clicquot wine bottles are known for their bright yellow label. This label started to show up in 1835 and became officially trademarked in 1877. This means this label has been used on bottles for more than 180 years! The label helped Veuve Clicquot stand out as a dry Champagne compared to the sweeter British Champagnes on the shelf.
8. Veuve Clicquot was Acquired by LV
9. It Hosts the Polo Classic
Each year Veuve Clicquot is the sponsor of the Polo Classic. Held in New York and Los Angeles, it is a celebrity hot spot and anybody who is anybody is there!
10. The Baltic Sea Discovery
In Vino Finito
In Vino Finito
