The 1811 comet vintage of Veuve Clicquot is theorized to have been the first truly "modern" Champagne due to the advancements in the méthode champenoise which Veuve Clicquot pioneered. In 1772, Philippe Clicquot-Muiron established the original enterprise of Veuve Clicquot. His son, François Clicquot, married Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in 1798. Clicquot died in 1805, leaving his widow (veuve in French) in control of the company.                                

During the Napoleonic Wars, Madame Clicquot established her wine in royal courts throughout Europe, notably that of Imperial

Russia. By the time she died in 1866 Veuve Clicquot had become both a substantial Champagne house and a respected brand. Easily recognized by its distinctive bright yellow labels, the wine is roughly pronounced "vuuhv klee-koh". It holds a royal warrant of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.