SPARKLING WINE OF THE WEEK - Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec Champagne — Wine It Up A Notch

It is said that Coco Chanel once said the following - "I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not!"

Clearly, she loved Champagne….as so many people do.

And yet it is a very confusing topic and can sometimes feel downright unapproachable. There are so many options and it can be hard to know what to choose and what the Champagne that you are considering is going to taste like when it is in your glass. Champagne can also be very expensive. These factors often combine to stress people out, or keep them buying the same brand/Champagne time and time again, even if they want to try something different.

If this is you, do not to worry we’re hear to help you out!

Do You Like It Sweet?

Are you someone who is drawn to a touch of sweetness? If so, you might find traditional “Brut” Champagnes to be unpleasantly acidic. For you, a sweeter Champagne could be a much better option.

To be honest, most people like a slightly sweeter Champagne, if not all the time, then at least from time to time.

If you're looking for a slightly sweeter Champagne option, the Veuve Clicquot Non-Vintage (NV) Demi-Sec Champagne is an excellent choice. Veuve Clicquot's Non-Vintage Demi-Sec Champagne is a delicious, well made, elegant option that is perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or simply as a luxurious treat to enjoy with friends and family.

Read on to learn more about Veuve Clicquot and this Champagne.

Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec Non Vintage (NV) Champagne

Where does this Champagne come from?

Remember, not all things that have bubbles in your glass are truly Champagne. To be officially called “Champagne”, the wine in question must come from the Champagne region of France. This is the case here.

Why is this Champagne unique?

These days, there is a trend towards “Brut” Champagnes. Brut Champagne has only 0-12 g/L of sugar by law.

However, this Champagne is a “Demi-Sec” and it is considerably sweeter than a Brut. A Demi-Sec Champagne may contain anywhere between 32-50 g/L of sugar , giving this style a very pleasant, round and celebratory mouthfeel.

Furthermore, this Champagne is made by one of the truly iconic brands in the wine world. See below for more about this!

More About Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot is a renowned champagne brand that has been around since 1772. over time, it has become one of the most recognizable and respected champagne brands in the world, known for its quality, taste, and elegance. Veuve Clicquot has a rich history and a reputation for innovation that has helped it remain relevant and popular for over two centuries.

The modern story of Veuve Clicquot began when a young widow named Barbe-Nicole Clicquot took over her husband's champagne business after he passed away in 1805. At the time, the champagne industry was dominated by men and it was highly unusual for a woman to take on such a role. However, Barbe-Nicole was determined to succeed and to make her mark on the industry.

One of the first things that Barbe-Nicole did was to improve the quality of the champagne her estate was making. She developed a new method for removing the sediment from the champagne (also known as remuage or riddling), resulting in a clearer, more elegant wine. This innovation helped to materially improve the quality of Veuve Clicquot champagne at that time and set it apart from its competitors.

In addition to her innovations in the production process, Barbe-Nicole was also a savvy businesswoman. She recognized the importance of branding and marketing and was one of the first champagne producers to use a distinctive (yellow) label on her bottles. She also developed a reputation for hosting lavish parties and events, which helped to promote the brand and create a sense of exclusivity around Veuve Clicquot champagne.

Today, Veuve Clicquot is still known for its quality and innovative spirit. The brand produces a range of champagnes, each one crafted with the highest level of care and attention to detail, using the same methods and techniques that Barbe-Nicole Clicquot pioneered over 200 years ago.

In addition to its excellent champagnes, Veuve Clicquot is also known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The brand has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and to promote sustainable farming practices. From its beginnings as a small champagne house in the early 19th century to its current status as one of the world's most iconic luxury brands, Veuve Clicquot has undoubtedly become an example of dazzling success in the wine world.

A few Wine Geek “essential facts” about the wine (feel free to skip this if you don’t care about detailed wine-making information!):

Grape Varieties - a blend of 40-45% Pinot Noir, 30-35% Pinot Meunier, and 20-30% Chardonnay

Amount of Reserve Wine - 30-45%

Soils - varied; this Champagne is made from a blend of grapes sourced from all over the Champagne region; a blend of 50 crus

Vinification - minimum 3 years aging on lees

ABV - 11%

Residual Sugar/Dosage - 45 g/L

Wineitupanotch tasting notes:

Sweet candied fruit notes such as candied apple and lemon curd accompany a crisp and clean acidic profile. This Champagne delivers white floral and wet stone notes but also has very satisfying light toasted almond and brioche notes. It is very easy to drink, the sweetness very well balanced by acidity, giving the wine an overall feminine and delicate profile.

Aging potential:

2-3 years , though it is designed to be enjoyed immediately. If aged in the right conditions, this wine will develop further toasty notes.

Recommendations to Wineitupanotch:

Enjoy this Champagne with a dessert such as creme brûlée, blue cheese and nuts, very spicy dishes, breakfast dishes such as pancakes and waffles with syrup and cream or a bowl of fresh strawberries and cream.

Wineitupanotch Wine Score: 90 points

Perfect for weddings, showers, brunches and special gatherings with friends, this Champagne is sure to deliver and delight.

FINAL VERDICT:

Buy it, try it, fall in love!

If you’ve tried this Champagne already, or decide to pick it up and try it after reading this post, I’d love to hear from you and hear what you think of it! Please do drop me a line.

Until next time, wishing you love, light and of course - good wine!……

Cheers…..XOXO