Without the champagne, this upcoming New Year's Eve could be all bash and no bubbly — and what kind of way would that be to kick of 2013? Like you don't already know our answer. That's where Veuve Clicquot's three vintage releases come into play. They debuted here in NYC last week, and we're calling them the three best in-bottle ways to watch the ball drop this December. Lucky for you (and us, despite the hangover post-tasting session), we tapped Vanessa Kay, Veuve Clicquot's U.S. President, to get the buzz (get it?) on the holiday-perfect champers. Below, Kay lets us in on why we should splurge on these swag sips — with all the season's parties coming up, we're so glad we have a new crew to roll with.
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La Cave Privée Rosé 1989
"Veuve Clicquot Cave Privée Vintage Rosé 1989 is a very special champagne — the result of harsh weather conditions that marked the return of dry vintages in 1989. The notes of wild fruit and structure of the wine make it the ideal pairing with meats, something very few people know or think to do. I particularly enjoy this Rosé with lamb or a light fish; It’s really lovely for the transition into fall we are experiencing here in New York City.”
Photo: Courtesy of Veuve Clicquot
La Cave Privée 1990
"The Cave Privée Vintage 1990 has a remarkable freshness, openness, and boldness. People commonly don’t know that champagne is made primarily from black grapes — this particular champagne is 2/3 black grapes, making it intense and very flavorful. The 1990 Cave Privée is quite concentrated with toasted aromas and notes of citrus; It has a lovely gold, honey color. The Clicquot team particularly enjoys this champagne with lobster, and it elevates a chicken dish to another level.”
Photo: Courtesy of Veuve Clicquot
La Grande Dame 2004
"La Grande Dame 2004 is my new favorite champagne, not only because of crisp and silky palate and aromas of vanilla, apricot and jasmine, but because of the meaning behind La Grande Dame, a reference to Madame Clicquot herself, la Grande Dame de la champagne. Madame Clicquot insisted people enjoy champagne all the time, not just holidays or special occasions, and La Grande Dame 2004 is the perfect example — pour your guests a glass before dinner, the ideal aperitif.”
Photo: Courtesy of Veuve Clicquot