Cover Marie Charlemagne, expert winemaker at Veuve Cliquot
Marie Charlemagne, expert winemaker at Veuve Cliquot
1 / 1
Born into a family of winemakers in the Champagne region, Marie Charlemagne is the perfect fit for Veuve Cliquot
Veuve Cliquot is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Champagne winemaker organised an exclusive tasting of the Yellow Label paired with culinary creations of Beta KL's chef Raymond Tham. Expert winemaker Marie Charlemagne was also present to take guests through the experience.
Read more: 5 questions with Jean-Baptiste Terlay, winemaker at Dom Pérignon
“Veuve Cliquot has an exceptional winemaking heritage and benefits from one of the largest reserve-wine palettes in Champagne. This heritage is tightly linked with the destiny of an exceptional woman: Madame Cliquot. Her affection for the grape variety Pinot Noir, of which she perceived the infinite richness and adaptability, still enables us to create the unique signature of our champagnes today,” says Charlemagne.
Above Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label tasting at Beta KL
Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label tasting at Beta KL
1 / 1
Charlemagne was born and raised in Champagne, France, in the village of Le Mesnil su-Oger. Inspired to follow in her parents’ footsteps, she obtained a diploma in oenology at Montpellier SupAgro University after completing her studies in agronomy engineering at AgroParis Tech. She then went on to work in various wine estates before returning to Champagne to join Veuve Cliquot.
Why did you join Veuve Cliquot?
I thought it was a really interesting role because it's so diverse. I’m an oenologist, I'm in charge of development and innovation, and I also take care of wine communication, which is why I’m here today. I’m also in charge of red wine-making for rosé champagne. I love that I have such a vast portfolio. I can be tasting all the base wine for the blending of the Yellow Label one day and the next day doing press interviews or trying to find a solution for sustainable innovation.
What makes Veuve Cliquot stand out in the champagne world?
I love its heritage, how Madame Cliquot was involved [in building the brand and its reputation in the wine industry]. I also love its expertise in wine-making. I get taste many different wines in Champagne. Every morning, we blind taste 24 samples for the blending of Yellow Label. I really love that I get to develop my palette at Veuve Cliquot. It's a very long journey to become an expert in the tasting committee; you need at least 10 years to become one.
See also: 6 bars in Melaka for cocktail hour
Above Marie Charlemagne loves the job of honing her tasting palette at Veuve Cliquot
Marie Charlemagne loves the job of honing her tasting palette at Veuve Cliquot
1 / 1
What do you judge the wine on during these tastings?
We judge its texture, freshness, complexity, ageing potential. The main question we have to answer is, "Is it a Veuve Cliquot style?". So it's either yes or no. It's really important for [everyone] in the tasting committee to be in agreement to keep the consistency of the Yellow Label. It must have the same taste even if the wine composites are different.
How does Madame Cliquot inspire you?
She was very innovative. She innovated the riddling table and she invented the first known blended rosé champagne that blends red and white wines. I can only hope to live up to her expectations.
Don't miss: 8 women bartenders who are shaking things up in Malaysia
Above Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label
Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label
1 / 1
What does innovation mean when it comes to champagne?
We will not “innovate” on Yellow Label; we don’t want to touch the blending because we want to keep the taste. But we can innovate on new cuvee, we can innovate on the way we grow our grapes. For instance, we have been herbicide-free since 2018. Most of the innovation now will be about sustainability both in the vineyard and in the winemaking.
Can you elaborate on the sustainability aspect?
We’re experimenting with different grape varieties and rootstocks that are more adaptable to climate change. We're also trying to do sustainable viticulture, choosing the right picking dates adapted to the warmer climate that causes a delay in the maturity of the grapes.
What advice would you give to women interested in winemaking?
I would say to stay focused on building your wine expertise, and to have only one goal which is the quality.
NOW READ
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur dedicates its newest cocktail to Michelle Yeoh
Shirmy Chan’s Bar Terumi is one of Malaysia’s few female-owned bars
Topics
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
