La Grande Dame Gift Box, Veuve Clicquot 2018 75cl

La Grande Dame is Veuve Clicquot's crowning champagne, named for Madame Clicquot herself - the widow who took over the house at 27 and reinvented how champagne is made. The 2018 is a landmark: the 25th vintage of the cuvee, and the one where cellar master Didier Mariotti pushed the Pinot Noir to 90%, calling it 'L'Art du Pinot Noir'. The remaining 10% is Chardonnay, and every grape comes from the house's historic Grand Cru plots.

Seven years resting on the lees in Veuve's UNESCO-listed chalk cellars has given it depth and poise. 2018 was a warm, generous vintage, and you feel that ripeness - apple and pear leading into tangerine and lime, nectarine, a note of pink ginger and wild strawberry, a savoury thread of toffee-nut bread and spice. The mousse is fine, the texture almost creamy, and a streak of salinity draws the long finish out.

Presented in Veuve Clicquot's gift box, it's a champagne for the moments that truly matter - a milestone, a proposal, a once-in-a-decade celebration.

How to Serve

Serve at 10-12C, and reach for a white-wine glass rather than a flute - a prestige champagne like this shows far more of itself with room to breathe.

Where to Drink It

Scott's in Mayfair; The Wolseley for a glamorous occasion; or J Sheekey with a plateau of shellfish.

Food Pairings

The Pinot Noir weight can handle more than canapes - roast poulard, lobster with butter, or aged Comte. Beautiful with a plate of fine charcuterie too.