Think of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne, and what comes to mind? Possibly that bright yellow label on the non-vintage bottling? Or, perhaps it is the stylish bottle of La Grande Dame vintage bottling. Well, did you know that Madame Clicquote is actually the inventor of the table de remuage, or riddling table. The Champagnes of the early 1800s had all been cloudy, but her invention allowed her wines to clarify, and riddling racks (in one form or another) have been used ever since. She also became a pioneer or sorts, taking charge of the cellars after her husband’s death - something unheard of in the wine industry.
Join us as we talk with Frederick Paniotis, one of several winemakers for Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. Articulate and engaging, Frederick shares some history of the “Widow” Clicquot, and the Champagne region in general. We also learn that Champagne is all about blending, and is so much more than just a celebratory wine. (Since our interview, Frederick has become Cellarmaster, or Chef de Cave at Champagne Ruinart.)
Sponsor: Millesima USA, Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com
Click Below to Play the Show:
(1:16:15 min 52 MB)
Nice interview. VC is my favorite Champagne so I was very interested to hear what they had to say. Wondered why you didn’t ask your guest about the correct shape of the glass. I think it was your guest from DP who said a red wine glass is best. Is this just his opinion or are others in line with this?
Tim-
When good Champagne blows off it’s bubbles a bit often more layers of complexity are evident. I’ve been with a very brilliant winemaker who decanted a bottle of Philipponnat brut Rose Vintage.
GR
You should give some love to a Grower Champagne house! Moet and Veuve Clicquot are owned by the same people these days. Do you think your listeners would would rather listen to you interview Jess Jackson’s head PR person or Dan Kosta and Michael Browne?
Check out names like Jean Milan, Aubrey, and Bellefon!
Keep up the great work guys!
Tim, I have not seen many drink Champagne from a red wine glass. Maybe too radical for some?
Ryan, have no fear, after our trip to Champagne, you can bet your collection grower Champagne interviews and discussions are in the near future.
Jay
What a relief, a show not on Pinot Noir.
Vinifera,
I hate to tell you this but the primary grape in Veuve Clicquot is Pinot Noir. =-)
Brian
Great interview guys! Sorry for the late reply to the Vueve show, but Brian, where are you buying Vueve for $34? I have never seen it lower than $40 per bottle. You must have a secret source or something!
You can find it for $34.99 at CostPlus World Market. They are all over the USA.
The last few years they have offered it at $32.99 the first week in December for their big holiday sale.
Here is the link: http://www.worldmarket.com/custserv/store_locator.cmd
Brian
Based on some feedback it appears that the price varies by state. Calif may be the least expensive due to al the competition.
Brian
This is an excellent interview. Thanks for another great show!
Truly enjoyed this interview.
The Widow Clicquot is now one of my wine idols.
Thanks for all you do.
Kim
Wow Kim, this is and old show. Are you catching up on older shows?
Jay
Hi, Jay.
Actually, I was hosting a Champagne tasting and this interview came up as part of my research.
Thanks again.
Great episode. I loved listening to Frederick. I went to a tasting a month ago with Frederick and had some wonderful Dom Ruinart wines. He is a great guy and a talented winemaker.
So, I just relistened to the episode. At the end, I think you said that you spoke to him again after he moved to Dom Ruinart. When will that episode be on the site?
In the near future Howard. We might even have some video for you.
Jay
Hi guys,
First time listener from Australia and I’m very impressed. We need more of this type of stuff floating around the ether. Informative, useful, and entertaining. Well Done