Madame Clicquot

Long ago, waaaay back in 2012, Veuve Clicquot became the highest-selling Champagne in the world. Easily recognizable for the bright yellow label on dark bottles, it’s coveted for fine artistry in liquid dating back centuries.

They’ve sold more than 17 million bottles worldwide in a single year. It is also the House Champagne for numerous Michelin-recognized restaurants, including being the house pour at all of Joel Robuchon’s restaurants globally.

We are certainly still sipping the good stuff, although these days, you might find us with a glass on the sofa more often than in a restaurant. There’s something giddy in that admission and perfect for Veuve.

After all, Veuve Clicquot was started by a French Widow, and we’d imagine she nestled into a settee or two, for a bright and bracing sip on a quiet summer evening.

If you’re desperate for a bit of safe, relaxing fun during these trying times, check out one of our favorite spots to grab a glass of Champagne in New Orleans: Effervescence, located on North Rampart Street, at the very top of the French Quarter.

The likes of Madame Clicquot inspired Crystal Hinds to open Effervescence and pair amazing food with bubbles.

Owner and sommelier, Crystal Coco Hinds, is a supporter of the yellow label, in addition to stocking a few more options. Ahem, she has a staggering 200 sparkling labels, to be exact.

“Entrepreneur, international businesswoman—a great lady,” she muses of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot.

“She’s a personal inspiration,” Coco Hinds says. “Naturally, after reading about Madame Clicquot, I could not help but find some strength and courage to help fuel my desire to create a special place in New Orleans for bubble aficionados. At 57 years old, it was quite daunting to change from a stay-at-home mom to a restaurateur in a foodie city. So, her story of fortitude and resilience resonated with me.”

Right now, Effervescence is open Fridays to Sundays, gently suggesting a reservation, requiring masks and offering both indoor and outdoor seating, with additional caviar service alongside your Champagne.

“Effervescence always has plenty of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label chilled and ready to pour along with the Brut Rose ’08 and La Grande Dame ’08 currently,” Coco Hinds says. “The magnums of Yellow Label are very popular with parties, and we have recently acquired a 6 Liter of the Yellow Label, which is a party waiting to happen!”

For Coco Hinds (and so many of us), her favorite moments are the least complicated.

“I do really love to sit back and enjoy a glass of Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame,” she says, “as it does remind me of all the history and work this lady put into the wine we now know as Champagne.”

Effervescence, a Champagne bar in New Orleans, pops the yellow label, of course.

5 Fun Facts about Veuve and Madame Clicquot to impress guests

1You're saying it wrong!

Sorry to all those instagram accounts stealing their vibe, but Veuve is not pronounced “voove!” Veuve sounds more like “verve” but with a soft “r.” Clicquot is pronounced “klee koh.” To say it in a sentence: “We’ll have a bottle of Verve Kleeh Koh, please!“

2Madame Clicquot was literally a Champagne Dreamer

Veuve Clicquot translates to “Widow Clicquot,” and is so named after the first woman, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, to ever operate a Champagne house.

3She was an industry innovator

Madame Clicquot invented the “riddling table,” a storage method for Champagne that keeps bottles at an angle. This method is still used across Champagne houses today.

4The original "Yes way, rosé" queen!

The Grand Dame of Champagne, Madame Clicquot innovated the first blend of Rosé Champagne and created the first vintage Champagne ever recorded, in 1810.

5Champagne really will save the world?

Over the last 5 years, Veuve Clicquot has reduced their packaging weight by 7 percent, as well as created a lighter glass bottle for a more eco-friendly design. We think Madame Clicquot would heartily approve.