The Blend:
Grapes from as many as 50 to 60 different Crus go to the blending of Brut Yellow Label. Traditionally, the proportion of each grape variety used is:
· 50 to 55% Pinot Noir
· 15 to 20% Pinot Meunier
· 28 to 33% Chardonnay
These figures vary slightly from year to year according to conditions. The Cellar Master has to achieve the total consistency of taste, which makes Veuve Clicquot Brut so immediately recognisable, so utterly reliable both in terms of quality, colour and bouquet. He will draw on priceless reserve wines for the blend: from 25 to 35%, sometimes as much as 40% to ensure the continuity of the House style. Each of these older wines - perhaps nine years old - is kept separately to preserve the unique qualities of the vineyard and the vintage.
Vinification:
The predominance of Pinot Noir provides the structure that is so typically Clicquot, while a touch of Pinot Meunier rounds out the blend. Chardonnay adds the elegance and finesse essential in a perfectly balanced wine.
Tasting Notes:
Brut Yellow Label is golden-yellow, with a necklace of tiny bubbles. On the noseit is initially reminiscent of white fruits and raisins, then of vanilla and later of brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty aromas following the ageing in the bottle.
The first sip delivers all the freshness and forcefulness so typical of Veuve Clicquot with a
Veuve Clicquot Brut manages to reconcile two opposing factors and to holds them
in balance. This consistent power to please makes it ideal as an aperitif, and perfect as the Champagne to enjoy with a meal.
Background
A champagne House is eventually judged on the quality of its Brut non vintage. It is in the making of such a wine that the true Art of Champagne blending reveals itself. This is an art in which the House of Veuve Clicquot excels. Brut Yellow Label reflects their superb vineyards and the consistent nature of The veuve Clicquot house style.
