As Veuve Clicquot celebrates the 200th anniversary of its first rosé, we chat with winemaker Gäelle Goossens about the brand’s legacy of female trailblazing, and staying competitive two centuries on.
With over two centuries of winemaking under its belt, how has Veuve Clicquot stayed so successfully, and what makes it relevant to today’s market?
Veuve Clicquot has a perfect balance between tradition, modernity and innovation. It’s been at the core of its DNA since its foundation. The excellence of our Champagne, and the motto of Madame Clicquot: “Only one quality, the finest”. Our spirit of innovation, inherited from Madame Clicquot certainly explains how the brand has kept being so relevant over the centuries.
Wine-making has traditionally been a male-dominated sphere. What are the biggest challenges you face as a woman, and do you see that culture changing?
Things are changing. We see more and more women becoming winemakers and wine specialists. The main challenge for tomorrow will be to see more women in the top management of wine company.
Tell us a bit about the newly announced Veuve Clicquot Business Woman award.
The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award was first initiated in 1972 to honour and sustain the legacy of Madame Clicquot – one of Europe’s first female entrepreneurs. It is awarded to those who share the same qualities: an enterprising spirit, with the courage and the determination necessary to accomplish her business goals.
Following a detailed consultation and voting process with an esteemed jury – a panel of five exceptional business people, and an advisor – the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Hong Kong will be awarded at a prestigious ceremony in Hong Kong in October 2018.
For rosé -drinking novices, what are the top things to keep an eye out for when drinking rosé?
Rosé champagne is not a sweet wine as a still rosé. It has more fruits, more intensity and more structure. Rosé champagne is an excellent choice when in a restaurant to share with friends, as it can be paired with spicy food, red meat, sauce meal, vegetables, raw tuna, etc.
VCP created the first rosé champagne d’assemblage (blending). We vinify our own pinot noir red wines first. They are deep, tannic, full-bodied, fruity and complex.
Finally, what is your favourite rosé vintage from Veuve Clicquot?
Vintage Rosé 1989. Deep, rich, intense and complex with smoky notes and dry fruits aromas.
Thank you.