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The Widow Clicquot

I recently stumbled across the story of Madame Clicquot, on a visit to London.  Our drink of choice throughout the trip was the House’s signature champagne, the brut, a perfect balance of structure and finesse.  I was awestruck of the “widowed Clicquot” and had to share her story.  Those who know me would know that for me a woman’s attraction comes from strength, knowledge, elegance, poise, and vivaciousness.  Madame Clicquot embodies all these and paved the way for women entrepreneurs throughout the generations in male-dominant businesses.

Veueve, translates to widow in French, and refers to Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot the actual “Veueve Clicquot” who was widowed a the age of 27 after seven years of marriage to the House’s heir Francois.  She became the first woman to run a champagne house and revolutionize champagne making. Her innovative and business acumen marked key milestones in the champagne business such as the creation of the riddling rack, or Remuage system that helped to clarify the wines and produce a better quality champagne. She is also credited for introducing rose champagne, paving the way for future chef de caves of the house.

The champagne

“The finest white wines come from red grapes”, Madame Clicquot.

Veueve Clicquot has always been predominantly pinot noir and this sets the House’s champagne apart from the rest. “ La Grande Dame”, the House’s prestige cuvee was introduced in 1972 to celebrate the House’s 200th year anniversary, and continues to produce excellent vintages for special occasions.

Bold

Respect.  In 2019, the House of Clicquot, launched Bold, an international program created by the House to empower, and to increase women entrepreneurship globally. The program provides women entrepreneurs, a platform to voice, to dare, to share, and to create impact.  In addition to the Bold Dinners, Bold Conversations are also held to enable women to coach, mentor, and expand their relationship network providing them a greater outreach to pursue their business goals.