Alexandra Doillon Jardin:  The story is truly extraordinary. Madame Clicquot did not originally create the brand. The company was founded by François Clicquot, and later his son, Philippe Clicquot, married Madame Clicquot. Unfortunately, Philippe passed away very suddenly, and Madame Clicquot became a widow at only 27 years old.

At that time, it was almost unheard of for a woman to take over a business — especially in the wine industry. But she was incredibly bold, ambitious, and visionary. She decided not only to continue the business, but to expand it and elevate it to another level. She succeeded brilliantly. Madame Clicquot became one of the first great businesswomen of modern times. Her determination, intelligence, and courage shaped not only Veuve Clicquot, but also the entire Champagne region.

DOLCE VITA LADIES CLUB: Veuve Clicquot has such a strong connection to women empowerment. Can you tell us more about the story behind the brand?

Alexandra Doillon Jardin: She brought many technical and oenological innovations to champagne production. One of her most important contributions was inventing the first known vintage champagne — producing champagne from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year.

She also created the famous riddling table method, known in French as le remuage. This revolutionary technique allowed champagne to become clearer and more refined by gradually moving yeast sediments to the neck of the bottle. Even today, this process remains essential in champagne production.

Another important innovation was her rosé blending method. Instead of simply adding elderberries or coloring agents, she perfected the technique of blending red and white wines to create rosé champagne with elegance and balance. This method is still widely used today in Champagne.

DOLCE VITA LADIES CLUB: What were some of the innovations Madame Clicquot introduced?

Alexandra Doillon Jardin: Absolutely. She was fearless and deeply visionary. She expanded exports internationally and established Veuve Clicquot as a luxury name recognized around the world. At a time when women had very limited opportunities, she built an empire through intelligence, resilience, and innovation.

That spirit still exists within Veuve Clicquot today. We are very proud that in our tasting committee — which consists of 12 winemakers — there is an equal balance of men and women. Women are increasingly present in every level of the wine industry, and that is something very important to us.

DOLCE VITA LADIES CLUB: Madame Clicquot seems like a very modern woman for her era.

Alexandra Doillon Jardin: For me, she represents audacity. She proved that innovation, intuition, and determination can completely transform an industry. Her story inspires not only women in wine, but women everywhere — to trust their vision and pursue their ambitions without fear.

DOLCE VITA LADIES CLUB: What do you think Madame Clicquot’s legacy represents today?

Alexandra Doillon Jardin: The story is truly extraordinary. Madame Clicquot did not originally create the brand. The company was founded by François Clicquot, and later his son, Philippe Clicquot, married Madame Clicquot. Unfortunately, Philippe passed away very suddenly, and Madame Clicquot became a widow at only 27 years old.

At that time, it was almost unheard of for a woman to take over a business — especially in the wine industry. But she was incredibly bold, ambitious, and visionary. She decided not only to continue the business, but to expand it and elevate it to another level. She succeeded brilliantly. Madame Clicquot became one of the first great businesswomen of modern times. Her determination, intelligence, and courage shaped not only Veuve Clicquot, but also the entire Champagne region.

DOLCE VITA LADIES CLUB: Veuve Clicquot has such a strong connection to women empowerment. Can you tell us more about the story behind the brand?

the story of
madame clicquot

DOLCE VITA LADIES CLUB: Madame Clicquot seems like a very modern woman for her era.

Alexandra Doillon Jardin: Absolutely. She was fearless and deeply visionary. She expanded exports internationally and established Veuve Clicquot as a luxury name recognized around the world. At a time when women had very limited opportunities, she built an empire through intelligence, resilience, and innovation.

That spirit still exists within Veuve Clicquot today. We are very proud that in our tasting committee — which consists of 12 winemakers — there is an equal balance of men and women. Women are increasingly present in every level of the wine industry, and that is something very important to us.

       t a beautiful Veuve Clicquot dinner,                      hosted in celebration of one of the world’s most iconic champagne houses, the founder of Dolce Vita Ladies Club, Lucija Šimec, sat down with Alexandra Doillon Jardin to discover the remarkable story behind the legendary Maison.

Named after the French word veuve, meaning “widow,” Veuve Clicquot became a symbol not only of exceptional champagne, but also of female courage, innovation, and leadership. Behind the famous yellow label stands the extraordinary story of Madame Clicquot — a woman who transformed the champagne industry forever.

A

madame clicquot's innovations

Alexandra Doillon Jardin: She brought many technical and oenological innovations to champagne production. One of her most important contributions was inventing the first known vintage champagne — producing champagne from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year.

She also created the famous riddling table method, known in French as le remuage. This revolutionary technique allowed champagne to become clearer and more refined by gradually moving yeast sediments to the neck of the bottle. Even today, this process remains essential in champagne production.

Another important innovation was her rosé blending method. Instead of simply adding elderberries or coloring agents, she perfected the technique of blending red and white wines to create rosé champagne with elegance and balance. This method is still widely used today in Champagne.

DOLCE VITA LADIES CLUB: What were some of the innovations Madame Clicquot introduced?

the story of madame clicquot

"Mademe Clicquot was truly ahead of her time and brought incredible innovation not only to Veuve Clicquot, but to the entire wine industry."

IN CONVERSATION WITH ALEXANDRA DOILLON JARDIN: OENOLOGICAL PROJECT MANAGER AND WINEMAKER AT VEUVE CLICQUOT SINCE 2019

On the photo: Alexandra Doillon Jardin and founder of DVLC, Lucija Šimec. 

madame clicquot's innovations

On the photo: Alexandra Doillon Jardin and founder of
Dolce Vita Ladies Club, Lucija Šimec