READ · COMPARE · EXPLAIN
Veuve Clicquot: Ratio and vintages of reserve wines
This is a Champagne house based in Reims. In addition to the Pinot Noir-forward Yellow Label, they also produce Extra Brut Extra Old, composed exclusively of reserve wines.
Explain how the term 'Réserve' is used for the two labels, and summarize why the 'old wine' in the third edition cannot be indicated as a single vintage.
Questions for this course
If 100% is reserve wine, is it all from a single old vintage?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
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To explanation task notes ↓Veuve Clicquot / Learn from Producers
France / Champagne / Reims
Also known as / Alternative names: Veuve Clicquot / Veuve Clicquot
Update date: 2026-09-24
Yellow Label that uses a portion
For Yellow Label, the explanation is that reserve wine makes up 25–45%. The blend of varieties is indicated separately. The fact that there is a high proportion of reserve wine and a high proportion of Pinot Noir are different pieces of information.
3rd edition using all content
Extra Brut Extra Old, 3rd Edition is blended exclusively from reserves of eight vintages: 1990, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Even wines made using older reserve wines are not always single-vintage.
Specify the edition for reference.
You cannot simply transfer the vintage list of the 3rd edition to the first or later editions. By recording the edition as well as the cuvée name, you can track changes in base wine makeup for the same name.
What to align and what to compare.
Yellow Label
- Conditions to standardize
- Veuve Clicquot
- Conditions for comparison.
- 25–45% reserve explained.
- Additional points to confirm
- A figure different from the blend ratio
Extra Old, 3rd Edition
- Conditions to standardize
- Veuve Clicquot
- Conditions for comparison.
- Only reserves from eight vintages
- Additional points to confirm
- Not a single vintage.
Edition.
- Conditions to standardize
- Veuve Clicquot
- Conditions for comparison.
- Information for the 3rd edition
- Additional points to confirm
- Do not reuse in the structure of other editions.
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Veuve Clicquot Reading exercise: The ratio and age of reserve wines
Compare the stated conditions in the documentation. Numbers specifying vintages should be treated as information for that specific year.
This summarizes materials published by producers, regional groups, and importers. Each source includes the publisher and the date the material was checked.
| Comparison items | What can be determined from the materials | Ability to distinguish by reading |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Label | 25–45% reserve explained. | A figure different from the blend ratio |
| Extra Old, 3rd Edition | Only reserves from eight vintages | Not a single vintage. |
| Edition. | Information for the 3rd edition | Do not reuse in the structure of other editions. |
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Read the explanation for each question
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What does the 25–45% figure for Yellow Label refer to?
Always check what percentage represents by number count.
Is the 3rd edition from a single vintage?
That it is made only from reserve wines is something different from being single-vintage. The 3rd edition selects eight years between 1990 and 2014. Even if all reserve, it is not a wine made only from the oldest, 1990 vintage. Separate the edition, included years, and base wine proportions when reading.
What is necessary when comparing the vintages of the base wines?
Editions with the same name can have different compositions.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Please explain differences in raw materials and winemaking by reading the table and sources.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Comparison items | What can be determined from the materials | Ability to distinguish by reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Label | 25–45% reserve explained. | A figure different from the blend ratio | |
| Extra Old, 3rd Edition | Only reserves from eight vintages | Not a single vintage. | |
| Edition. | Information for the 3rd edition | Do not reuse in the structure of other editions. |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Please explain how the term 'Réserve' is used for both labels, and the reason why the 'old wine' in the third edition cannot be shown as a single vintage.
Check after writing
- Did you specify the label, vintage, and scope of materials to be compared?
- Did you distinguish and explain the three items in the table?
- Did you separate verified facts from points to check further with additional references or tasting?
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