Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé 2012

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron and later led by Madame Clicquot, Veuve Clicquot pioneered vintage bottling in 1810 and riddling in 1816. The house maintains a legacy of innovation and quality, sourcing grapes from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards for its vintage cuvées, including this refined Rosé.

Producer and Wine Maker

Cellar Masters Dominique Demarville and Jean-Marc Gallot, along with a tasting committee, assemble the 2012 Rosé using meticulous selection of base and reserve wines. They aim to balance power, elegance, and expressive Pinot Noir character with finesse.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The blend includes 51% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier, with 11–13% still red Pinot Noir from Bouzy. Grapes are grown in chalky soils under a cool maritime climate with strong diurnal shifts, ensuring balance and structure  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Pinot Noir is partially macerated to produce still red wine, while the other varieties are fermented separately. Around 11% of the base wine is aged in large oak foudres. The cuvée is blended with reserve wines and aged on lees for several years before disgorgement ().

Tasting notes

Deep rose with copper hues. Aromas of wild strawberry, Morello cherry, saffron, pastry, almond, and spicy oak. The palate is structured, savory, mineral-driven, with noble tannins and spicy, flaky pastry notes. Finish is vibrant, racy, and persistent  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Beautiful with lobster, abalone, duck, langoustine, sashimi, and mildly spiced Asian dishes. Its structure and mineral tension suit both seafood and richer fare  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 10–12 °C in tulip-shaped or fine-stem white wine glasses. No decanting needed; gentle swirl is ideal.

Storage and Aging Potential

Properly cellared (9–12 °C, stable humidity), this 2012 holds through 2036, with aging bringing deeper mineral, nutty, and tertiary spice notes  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

• Pinot Noir 51% (including 11–13% red wine maceration)

• Chardonnay 34%

• Pinot Meunier 15% 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5%

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 92 

• Wine Enthusiast: 92 ()

• Wine & Spirits: 93 ()

• James Suckling: 92