A pale gold colour with silver accents. Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rich has a brilliant aspect and effervescence is lively and long-lasting. At first, freshness immediately predominates, balsamic notes of menthol and liquorice, together with hints of citrus fruits coming to the fore. As the wine is agitated, fruitier aromas, including winter cherry, mirabelle plums and grapefruit, follow, accompanied with a subtle hint of white flowers. After a few more minutes of aeration, typical Veuve Clicquot notes of dried fruit (almonds, hazelnuts) and pastries (brioche, marzipan) take the lead, crowned by a veil of sweet spices like vanilla. In the mouth the wine is lively and firm, yet soft and velvety. The carefully chosen dosage provides a smooth elegant touch, with no sense of heaviness. In the mouth, the flavours confirm the wealth of notes perceived on the nose, with spicy fragrances resulting from the dosage. The finish is also contradictory, with a structure that is based both on freshness and smoothness. This elegant, well-balanced wine will delight the palate for at least the next 15 years, and, already, from a culinary point of view, its double personality is extremely interesting. Its freshness is the perfect foil for Asian cuisine (fish with fruit) while its velvety facet marries beautifully with foiegras. Whatever the choice, spicy dishes can but enhance this delightful gastronomic wine.
Background: The basic blend is composed of 17 Grand and Premier Crus situated in the Montagne de Reims, Ludes, Aÿ and the Côte des Blancs areas. |
