Veuve Clicquot has a special surprise for fans of the French champagne House: their newest vintage La Grande Dame 2012 is being launched with an ultra-vibrant makeover courtesy of iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
Kusama had once paid tribute to House founder and sparkling wine trailblazer Madame Clicquot by adorning a portrait of Cliquot with red polka dots. Despite being generations apart, the two strong women shared several traits between them: a keen sense for culture and the art of living, a deep desire to resist the gender roles of their time, and a pioneering spirit that set each of them apart in their respective fields.
Now, Kusama has taken the collaboration to the next level with a sculpture of her signature flowers marked with effervescent polka dots, released in a 100-piece limited edition around the world. The sculpture, which wraps around the grandiose bottle, embodies the dizzying allure of a premium bottle of champagne.
The champagne in question is the La Grande Dame’s 23rd vintage since its creation. In keeping with Veuve Clicquot’s proclivity for dark grapes, the bottle is made almost entirely from Pinot Noir with 10 percent Chardonnay added in for an edge of freshness. With notes of pear, mirabelle plum, quince, jasmine, honeysuckle, vine flower fresh almonds and frangipane on the nose and a mix of bitter orange peel, dried apricots and roasted hazelnuts on the tongue, each sip is heady, transportive and fit for a special occasion.
As Veuve Clicquot’s cellar master Didier Mariotti notes, “La Grande Dame 2012 is a wine that is both precise and delicate. It is playful, lively, laughing. This new vintage offers a strong minerality carried by Pinot Noir balanced with the freshness of the blend. Its aging potential is immense.”
For more details on La Grande Dame 2012 by Yayoi Kusama, visit veuveclicquot.com.
