Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rosé 2006

La Grande Dame 2006 is an exclusive blend of our eight classic Grands Crus: Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzy and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir (53%); Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for the Chardonnay (47%).

THE HARVEST

The winter was particularly cold and long. The spring was mixed, but with good conditions for budding.  The flowers opened in late June, in what was unseasonally hot weather. The summer was chaotic, with an August worthy of late autumn.  Fortunately, the vines were able to draw on their reserves, to produce an abundant yield of superb quality.

Therefore, between 14 and 29 September, we harvested a very fine crop of grapes. At the very end of picking, Botrytis struck, though it had no impact on the quality of the harvest. An effective sorting operation was carried out. 

The Pinot Noir wines are fruity and full-bodied; the Chardonnay wines are of considerable distinction. The red wines of Clos Colin in Bouzy offer a superb balance, with a rich, crisp fleshiness.

TASTING NOTES

In the mouth, it is plump and full of substance. The texture is crisp and silky. The tannins are still present, calling for a cuisine with texture to bring out the best in this wine. The finish is long and coats the palate. The tannins are already very well integrated and can be expected to blend in still further over the coming years. 

SUSTAINABILITY

Each step of the wine production process is meticulously conducted to ensure that the vines are treated with the utmost care and that the production processes have as little impact as possible in terms of consumption, emissions and waste. As a major international player in the luxury sector and due to the exceptional nature of its legacy, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin’s responsibility is considerable. Fully aware of the importance of its role, the House has been implementing an active approach in all aspects of its business for over fifteen years, from the work in the vineyard to the distribution of its wines.

We are able to maintain our quality thanks to our longstanding supplier relationships. In fact, there are some families that have given grapes to Veuve Clicquot for more than six generations; we are very attached to the relationship of proximity and loyalty. This continual development of our supply could not be accomplished without the help of a service uniquely dedicated to our Partners. The "Supply and Vineyard Relations" service is composed of ten people on the ground that work towards this end.

In 1999 , Veuve Clicquot was the first Maison to set up a technical department dedicated to its grape suppliers. Naturally, this team now is working to implement a Champagne Sustainable Viticulture with our Partners. By leveraging our passion and expertise, our technicians crisscross Champagne to meet with other winemakers, always advancing towards an ever more respectful common viticulture for our land, air and water.