Veuve Clicquot

Founded in Reims in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, the Champagne house took its transformative turn in 1805 when his son François died, leaving 27-year-old widow (veuve in French) Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in charge. Audaciously defying the era's social norms, "Madame Clicquot" saved the struggling business, running blockades during the Napoleonic Wars to sell her champagne to the Russian imperial court and single-handedly revolutionizing the industry by inventing the first known vintage champagne (1810), the riddling table process to clarify sparkling wine (1816), and blended rosé champagne (1818). Known as La Grande Dame of Champagne, she grew the brand into an international luxury powerhouse that continues to carry her name and iconic yellow-labeled style worldwide today.