History Veuve Clicquot

portrait of madame clicquot , great-granddaughter anne de rochechouart-mortemart léon cogniet.

in 1772, philippe clicquot-muiron established original enterprise became house of veuve clicquot. in 1775, credited first champagne house produce rosé champagne, using method of adding red wine during production.

philippe s son, françois clicquot, married barbe-nicole ponsardin in 1798 , died in 1805, leaving widow (veuve in french) in control of company variously involved in banking, wool trading, , champagne production. became first woman take on champagne house. under madame clicquot s guidance, firm focused entirely on last, great success.

during napoleonic wars, madame clicquot made strides in establishing wine in royal courts throughout europe, notably of imperial russia, becoming first champagne house ship champagne through blockade russia in 1811. during time, gave champagne prussian guards enforcing blockade , soldiers opened champagne swords, started technique of sabring champagne. time died in 1866 veuve clicquot had become both substantial champagne house , respected brand. recognised distinctive bright yellow labels, wine holds royal warrant queen elizabeth ii of united kingdom.

since 1987 veuve clicquot company has been part of louis vuitton moët hennessy group of luxury brands, , today owns controlling interest in new zealand s cloudy bay vineyards.