Widow Clicquot

Front Row at the Movies by Shirrel Rhoades

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I almost overlooked this interesting little film directed by Thomas Napper from a book by cultural historian Tilar J. Mazzeo.

Mazzeo is best known as a wine writer and author of narrative nonfiction.

Here she gives us “Widow Clicquot,” a biography of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, the eponymous founder of the champagne house Veuve Clicquot. 

This is the story behind the Veuve Clicquot champagne business that began in the late 18th century. At that time, Napoleon Law did not approve of a female running a vineyard, but nonetheless Madame Clicquot took over the role when her late husband left the grapes to her in his will.

Barbe-Nicole Clicquot is credited with several major breakthroughs – creating the first known vintage champagne in 1810; six years later, inventing the riddling table process to clarify champagne; then coming up with the first known rosé champagne by blending red and white wines, a process still used by the majority of champagne producers.

Mazzeo’s book was described by The New York Times as a “sweeping oenobiography.” It won the Gourmand Award for the Best Work of Wine Writing in the United States in 2009. 

Her book became the basis for the 2023 major motion picture of the same name. 

The role of the Widow Clicquot is well played by Haley Bennett (“Music and Lyrics,” “Hillbilly Elegy”).

This is more like a dramatized documentary than not. But any fine wine aficionado will enjoy this history of champagne.

If you hurry, you can catch the last showings today at the Tropic Cinema.

“Widow Clicquot” is the kind of film to make you want to follow it up by going across the street to sip a flute of rosé champagne with a fellow moviegoer.

Email Shirrel: srhoades@aol.com