Veuve Clicquot

Founded by Philippe Clicquot in 1772, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House is amongst the biggest Champagne Houses. With its origins as a family business, the son of the founder, Francois joined the business in 1798. In 1805, Francois's wife, Barbe Nicole Ponsardin was widowed aged just 27, and in the process became one of the first ever business woman of the modern age.

Madame Clicquot created the first ever recorded vintage champagne in 1810 and renamed the brand Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin (also known as VCP).

In 1816, through Madame Clicquot's innovation and tireless pursuit of excellence, she invented the concept of the riddling table, thus ensuring a crystal-clear wine. This process continues to this day. She became affectionately known as the "La Grand Dame of Champagne".

In recognition of Madame Clicquot's contributions and to mark the bi-centenary of the House; in 1972 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin launched La Grande Dame, the prestigious vintage champagne.