Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut 2008

Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot has since lived by its motto, "Only one quality, the finest". Madame Clicquot herself created the very first vintage Champagne ever in 1810. Since then, every vintage has been the expression of one, exceptional harvest and the reflection of the year's weather and climate. As per 2008, it ended wonderfully with the grapes maturing in ideal conditions. The harvests took place between mid-September and early October, in perfect weather. The signature Pinot Noir of the Veuve Clicquot style dominates (61% of the blend) and comes only from Grands & Premiers crus (Ambonnay, Bouzy, Tauxires, Avenay and Ay, but also Verzy, Verzenay and Ludes). The Chardonnay comes entirely from the Cte des Blancs (Mesnil sur Oger, Oger, Vertus) and makes up 34%. The Meunier is from the Montagne de Reims (Ludes) and the Marne Valley (Dizy) and completes the blend (5%). New to 2008: 5% of the wines were produced and aged in wooden casks, in order to increase the strength and aromatic intensity. These cask-aged wines act as spices to the blend. They bring very lightly woody, vanilla and toasted aromas. Vintage 2008 is the perfect combination of strength and freshness, and most of all, it is the very first entirely made by Cellar Master Dominique Demarville. On the nose: citrus & ripe stone fruits (peach, apricot) enriched by warm notes of sweet pastries On the palate: candied citrus fruits aromas & hints of toasted almonds. A great wine for gastronomy.