Grower Champagne and Veuve Clicquot Champagne are both types of sparkling wine that are produced in the Champagne region of France. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Grower Champagnes:
Grower Champagne is produced by small, independent growers who own their own vineyards and produce champagne from grapes grown on their own land. These wines are often considered to be more "artisanal" and tend to have a unique, terroir-driven character. Purchasing grower champagne directly supports the farmers who put a lot of love into their land, and that love is truly showcased within every delicious bottle. Production: on average 36,000 bottles per year.
House Champagnes:
Veuve Clicquot, on the other hand, is a large, well-known champagne house. The company owns some vineyards, but a majority of the grapes they use are purchased and blended together by dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of individual grape growers from across the region. They produce a wide range of champagnes, including its signature "Yellow Label" brut champagne. Veuve Clicquot is known for its consistency, high quality, and excellent marketing campaigns. Its champagnes are often considered to be some of the best in the world. Production: on average 19,000,000 bottles per year.
Are there any differences in taste?
Grower Champagne showcases the diversity in flavor and style that is found throughout the Champagne region. Grower champagnes tend to have a more complex and nuanced flavor profile, with a strong emphasis on the specific terroir in which the grapes were grown, which tends to make them far more interesting on the palate! Some are clean and bright, others are weighty and fruity, while others are chalky and taste like minerals. Veuve Clicquot champagnes, on the other hand, tend to be blended to have a consistent taste year after year.
More bang for your buck
In terms of price, grower champagnes are often considered to be more affordable than Veuve Clicquot champagne, which can be quite expensive these days. Not to mention, you’re supporting the farmers directly!
Drink whatever makes you happy!
In conclusion, grower champagne and Veuve Clicquot champagne are both sparkling wines that are produced in the Champagne region of France. However, they are made by different types of producers, have different flavors, and are at different price points. Grower champagne is made by small independent growers who own their own vineyards, often considered more "artisanal" and have a unique, terroir-driven character, while Veuve Clicquot is a large, well-known champagne house known for its consistency and clever branding.