Sparkling Wines Champagne Veuve Clicquot - La Grande Dame x Yayoi Kusama - 2012

Viniou Reviews

La Grande Dame 2012 by Veuve Clicquot, especially in its limited edition crafted with artist Yayoi Kusama, exemplifies the elegance and depth that only truly great Champagne can deliver. Composed as a blanc de noirs, this cuvée is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, primarily sourced from the eight grand crus that form the historical heart of the Veuve Clicquot house. The 2012 vintage was marked by contrasting weather—early frost, rain during flowering, and a hot, dry summer—which resulted in low yields but grapes of exceptional quality. Vinified according to the traditional method with an extended ageing period on lees, this Champagne develops a fine bead, rich complexity and the trademark tension of Pinot Noir.

Champagne as a region is world-renowned for its unique climatic and geological conditions. The cool, northern French climate allows grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their acidity while developing nuanced flavours. The chalky soils of the Champagne region, particularly in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Bar where much of Veuve Clicquot’s Pinot Noir grows, contribute to the wine’s minerality and finesse. The history of Champagne is interlaced with innovation and tradition, and Veuve Clicquot itself—founded in 1772 and led early on by the remarkable Madame Clicquot—has played a key role in shaping the identity of sparkling wine worldwide.

Given its structure and complexity, La Grande Dame 2012 pairs beautifully with refined dishes. Consider serving it alongside roast guinea fowl with morel mushrooms or veal with a champagne cream sauce, both of which harmonise with the wine’s depth and delicate effervescence. For a regional touch, try it with Chaource cheese or blinis with crème fraiche and smoked salmon. Its vibrant acidity and developing notes of brioche, citrus, and white berry will also stand up to lobster or scallop carpaccio.

For optimal enjoyment, serve La Grande Dame 2012 well-chilled at 10-12°C in a tulip-shaped glass to allow its aromas and bubbles to fully express themselves. Pour gently and let the wine open in the glass—it is a vintage Champagne that warrants both patience and attention.