Veuve Clicquot
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is a brand of champagne, easily recognized by its distinctive bright yellow bottle labels.
Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, Veuve Clicquot (pronounced vuhv klee-KOH) played an important role in establishing champagne as the beverage of choice of European nobility and the wealthy bourgeoisie.
Situated in Reims, Veuve Clicquot has been part of the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy group of luxury brands since 1987. Veuve Clicquot now owns a controlling interest in New Zealand's Cloudy Bay Vineyards.
Nicole-Barbe Ponsardin, born on 16 December 1777, married Francois Clicquot on 10 June 1798, the son of Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, but her husband died on 23 October 1805, leaving her a widow (French veuve) and in control of the company.
Up until this point, the company was splitting its affairs between Champagne production, banking, and wool trading. Under Madame Clicquot's guidance, the company invested its entire focus into Champagne production.
During the Napoleonic Wars, she was successful in exporting her champagne (to Imperial Russia in 1814, among others) and establishing it in the royal courts.
Madame Clicquot died on 29 July 1866, leaving behind a well-established brand of champagne.
12 from Veuve Clicquot
