We shouldn’t have to introduce, Veuve Cliquot as they are the second largest house in Champagne (by volume) behind Moet Chandon. Both form the two pillars of LVMH’s wine unit. You’ll now realise why it’s rare not to see one of their distinctive orange labelled NV’s sitting next to a Moet in nearly every champagne section of any wine retailer in the world. While their production is huge (just under 20 million bottles) the consistency of their wines is remarkable, their La Grande Dame prestige cuvee is sublime. Like any big brand, they’ve had variation in terms of quality, but a recent resurgence with Dominique Dermaville at the helm has allowed the brand to enter a new age innovation and refinement.

All their wines are full bodied and pinot focused, but their vintages and prestige cuvees are where the more experienced Champagne connoisseur would start their journey. In the age of stainless steel fermentation, it’s rare that such a large house would bother crafting over 25 huge french oak barrels holding 5000 to 7500 litres a piece, which they use for blending purposes.  Demaville’s classic French passion and emotion oozes throughout their production. It will be interesting to see where this house continues to go in the future.