Veuve Clicquot - Bucket Sun Holder Carte Jaune - Yinka Ilori

Veuve Clicquot Champagne – Brut Carte Jaune – Sun Holder Bucket by Yinka Ilori

Veuve Clicquot Brut Carte Jaune Champagne is presented here in an exclusive limited edition called "Sun Holder", designed in collaboration with the artist Yinka Ilori. This version incorporates a functional serving piece, a champagne bucket with a geometric design, whilst preserving the integrity of the historic blend that has defined the House’s identity since 1877.

A blend dominated by Pinot Noir and reserve wines

The structure of this non-vintage Brut Champagne is based on a complex blend in which Pinot Noir plays a dominant role (50 to 55%). This grape variety provides the backbone and power characteristic of the Clicquot style. Chardonnay (28–33%) contributes the mineral tension and finesse necessary for balance, whilst Meunier (15–20%) rounds out the whole.

The uniqueness of this cuvée lies in the extensive use of reserve wines, which account for between 30% and 45% of the blend. These wines, sourced from over 50 different crus and aged individually, ensure the consistency of the organoleptic profile despite annual climatic variations. The dosage is kept at around 9 grams per litre, classifying this wine as a Brut.

Terroir and Geological Profile

The grapes come from a carefully selected network of plots located mainly on the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. The subsoil, composed mainly of Campanian chalk, acts as a thermal and hydrological regulator, giving the grapes a structuring acidity. The House applies sustainable viticulture methods across its entire vineyard to preserve this unique geological resource.

Sensory Profile and Oenological Analysis

On visual examination, Veuve Clicquot Brut Carte Jaune Champagne displays an intense golden-yellow colour, indicative of the high proportion of black grapes and extended ageing. The effervescence is characterised by strings of bubbles of great finesse.

The nose opens with a complex bouquet combining white-fleshed fruits (pear, apple) and citrus. Upon aeration, the development towards tertiary notes is noticeable, revealing aromas of brioche, vanilla and dried fruit, typical of ageing on lees in chalk cellars.

On the palate, the attack is clean and lively. The texture is silky, offering a balance between persistent aromatic freshness and a pronounced vinous structure. The finish is long, marked by a lingering fruity and toasty character.

Serving Advice and Food Pairings

For the aromas to be expressed to their fullest, this Veuve Clicquot Champagne should be served at a temperature of between 8°C and 10°C. The included Sun Holder Bucket helps maintain this ideal temperature throughout the meal.

In terms of food pairing, this wine complements structured dishes:

• Seafood starters: Salmon tartare or matured oysters.
• Main courses: A risotto with shavings of Parmesan or grilled seafood.
• Cheeses: Hard, cooked cheeses such as an 18-month-aged Comté.

Why choose this limited edition Yinka Ilori?

This collector’s item combines the House’s winemaking excellence with a contemporary aesthetic approach. The Bucket Sun Holder is a timeless serving accessory, crafted from robust materials, reflecting Yinka Ilori’s colour palette without compromising professional tasting protocols. It offers an opportunity to acquire the iconic Yellow Card in an exceptional format, highlighting the historic link between Champagne and the applied arts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the shelf life of Veuve Clicquot Brut Carte Jaune Champagne? This wine is ready to drink upon release, but can be stored in a cool, dark cellar for up to 3 years without any loss of quality.
• What does the Bucket Sun Holder include? It is an insulated and stylish champagne bucket designed by the artist Yinka Ilori, specifically sized for the 75cl bottle.
• What is the dosage of this cuvée? The dosage is 9 g/l, resulting in a Brut Champagne that strikes a balance between liveliness and roundness.
• What are the main grape varieties used? The blend is dominated by Pinot Noir (over 50%), complemented by Chardonnay and Meunier.
• Is this a vintage edition? No, it is a non-vintage Brut (BSA), made with a high proportion of reserve wines to ensure consistency of flavour.
• Can the Sun Holder be used for other bottles? Yes, the accessory is reusable for any standard 75cl champagne bottle.