Elite Traveler Summer 2020

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elite traveler SUMMER 2020 19

Object of Desire by Kristen Shirley A LASTING LEGACY

How did a 27-year-old widow build one of the world’s biggest champagne houses? Through the power of the pen. Madame Clicquot was an enigmatic and brilliant woman who sent letters around the world enchanting clients, instructing employees and extolling the virtues of her incredible champagne in her quest to create the ultimate champagne house. Now, Veuve Clicquot honors her legacy and her trove of archived correspondence with an enormous crystal inkwell that transforms into the most glamorous champagne bucket when opened. Veuve Clicquot worked with Baccarat to create the incredible piece, which is one of the largest objects ever made from a single block of crystal. It took two years to develop, and each of the 15 inkwells required over 1,000 hours of work by a score of master craftspeople. The base holds six fantastic vintages — 1989, 2004 and 2008, both Brut and Brut Rosé — of La Grande Dame champagne, as well as four Baccarat crystal champagne glasses and a leather serving tray. Everyone lucky enough to acquire the inkwell receives a private invitation to Champagne, France to visit the château and take a deep dive into the history of Veuve Clicquot and its famous namesake. $55,000, privateclient@moethennessy.com, veuveclicquot.com