When he founded his wine merchant business under the label “Clicquot” in 1772, Philippe Clicquot had a clear ambition: cross all borders. He conquered Europe and then Russia in 1780, followed by the United States in 1782. He was joined at the head of the House in 1798 by his son, Fran?ois Clicquot, who had recently married Barbe Ponsardin. Seven years later, following the untimely death of Fran?ois Clicquot, his young widow (“veuve” in French), just 27 years old, took over the family business.