The Veuve Clicquot Chef de Cave (winemaker), Dominque Demarville, hosted a tasting of this famous Champagne house’s top wines, including the brand new ‘Extra Brut Extra Old’ at Cru Bar. I had the absolute pleasure of joining the event (thanks Ka Lei) and learning from the master himself as well as tastings.
We were very lucky to be some of the first in Australia to try the new Extra Brut Extra Old bottle, drawn from the house’s famous collection of reserve wines, in particular the 1988, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 vintages. It is double aged- three years on lees in vats (up to 5% oak), then three years in bottle before release. It is best drunk now than held.
The House of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin has been a leading Champagne producer for over 200 years and is one of the largest owners of vineyards in the entire region. This long history, coupled with the resources at hand, allows for some extremely complex and memorable wines to be made.
It was very rare to have the Chef de Cave of a major Champagne house in Brisbane to take us through his wines. I loved his explanation of ‘the champagne effect’ where the more champagne consumed, the more conversations flow!
Of course, upon questioning, Mr Demarville could not provide a favourite, he loves them all the same!
