The release of a new champagne vintage is a big affair – and Veuve Clicquot really knows how to mark the occasion. The champagne house appointed Italian ceramist Paola Paronetto (known for using a blend of paper pulp and clay to craft her pieces) to design new packaging and a bottle inspired by the distinctive joyful spirit of La Grande Dame 2015.

Italian ceramist Paola Paronetto designed the packaging and bottle, inspired by the joyful spirit of La Grand Dame 2015

The collaboration includes a collection of six cases crafted in corrugated cardboard, each in a different soothing colour palette ‘just borrowed’ from nature. Mint green, baby blue and lavender add a delicate touch to the raw texture of these sculpture-like gift boxes. The creations follow on from a partnership with Yayoi Kusama for the 2012 vintage – an event that certainly played an influential role in how luxury brands have interacted with the world of art since.

The collaboration features a collection of six cases made from corrugated cardboard

‘I’m grateful to be able to pay tribute to Madame Clicquot by interpreting this new vintage through the prism of her optimism and audacity’, Paronetto tells Brummell. Known as “La Grande Dame de la Champagne”, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin became one of the most famous businesswomen (and widows) in history when she took over her husband Francois Clicquot’s wine company in 1805. From unveiling the very first single-year vintage of champagne to creating the first blended rosé in Champagne, Madame Clicquot had a pioneering drive. And that’s what inspired Paola Paronetto to embrace the ambitious challenge of using only 100 per cent natural materials, in turn ensuring entirely eco-sustainable packaging. ‘My artwork is compositional, and the joyful optimism displayed in multiple bold colours that are in harmony with one another is a beautiful thing to behold.’ A serene sense of calm shines through her words. ‘My love for nature is at the centre of my work, but also at the centre of my life; it’s a part of me, who I am.’ Paronetto, indeed, is based in Pordenone, a town in northeast Italy surrounded by the Friulian Dolomites, evocative valleys and emerald lakes.

La Grand Dame 2015 cuvée boasts floral notes that evole into a fruity palate

Starting off with floral notes of jasmine and evolving into a fruity palate, the La Grande Dame 2015 cuvée is an ode to pinot noir (90%) and enriched by chardonnay (10%) – as preferred by Madame Clicquot herself, exemplifying the house’s signature finesse, freshness and minerality.

La Grande Dame 2015 x Paola Paronetto is available exclusively at Clos 19 and Selfridges. RRP: £170 (75 cl); clos19.com; selfridges.com