Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut 2015

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron and propelled to fame by Madame Clicquot, Maison Veuve Clicquot pioneered vintage bottling in 1810 and invented riddling in 1816  . The Vintage range reflects the house’s dedication to showcasing exceptional years through top Grand Cru and Premier Cru grapes.

Producer and Wine Maker

Cellar Masters Dominique Demarville and Jean‑Marc Gallot lead a tasting committee sourcing over 70 base and reserve wines. They craft each vintage, with the 2015 blend including 10% oak-cask ferment to enhance structure and aromatic intensity  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Fruit is sourced from Champagne’s top vineyards. The blend comprises 50% Pinot Noir (including ~13% Grand Cru Bouzy), 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier. Chalk soils, cool maritime influence, and strong diurnal shifts promote balance, tension, and complexity  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Approximately 10% of the blend is fermented and aged in large oak casks; the remainder in stainless steel. After blending base and reserve wines, the NV ages on lees for an extended period before disgorgement with a ~6 g/L dosage  .

Tasting notes

Bright pale-gold in color with crisp tension, minerality, and vertical structure. Aromas of toast, roasted coffee, praline, brioche, dried apricot, citrus peel, and smoked almond emerge on the palate, leading to a refined, energetic finish  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with veal, crawfish, smoked scallops, shellfish, oysters, miso-seasoned dishes, grilled seafood, and gourmet cuisine featuring bold flavors—accentuated by the wine’s structure and spice notes  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 10–12 °C in a tulip-shaped or white-wine glass to highlight nuance and mousse. No decanting needed; gentle swirl enhances aroma release.

Storage and Aging Potential

Cellared at 9–12 °C with stable humidity and darkness, the 2015 Vintage can age gracefully for 15+ years, evolving to reveal richer tertiary notes ().

Grape Varietals & percentage used

• Pinot Noir 50% (incl. ~13% Grand Cru Bouzy)

• Chardonnay 30%

• Pinot Meunier 20% ()

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12%

Scores

• Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 94 

• Wine Enthusiast: 92 ()

• Wine Spectator: 92 

• James Suckling: 94