Madame Clicquot, the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” took the reins of her husband’s wine business when she was widowed at the age of 27, despite the fact that women could not work or have a bank account at the time. However, under her leadership, she revolutionized the world of champagne — and her dreams were big.
“I wish my brand to rank first in New York like in Saint Petersburg.” (Madame Clicquot, 1831)
Madame Clicquot’s life has been celebrated in a book by American writer Tilar J. Mazzeo. The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It is a New York Times bestselling biography of the young widow who built a champagne empire. The book explores her fascinating journey, the challenges she encountered, and the unique personality behind this now global brand.
Read more:
France Today: The Queen of Champagne: The Legacy of The Widow Clicquot
veuveclicquot.com: Madame Clicquot’s bold heritage