Origin
Charles Heidsieck was born in 1822, into the then famous Champagne House of Piper-Heidsieck. He used both his winegrowing and business experience – and no little ambition and set up his own house in Reims in 1851, named not unsurprisingly after himself!
A year later, having found success in Europe, Charles took the bold decision to travel to the USA. He was one of the first to introduce Champagne successfully to this country and his vivacious, rather dandy personality, gained him notoriety and most importantly following – he famously became known as ‘Champagne Charlie’. He even ended up being imprisoned in Louisiana on suspicion of being a spy during the Civil War, but was eventually freed by President Lincoln himself and then returned to settle in Champagne.
Based in Reims, Charles Heidsieck own (or buy grapes from) 120 different vineyards. With such a wide scope in the region to select fruit, this Champagne House has unrivaled access to the best vineyards and collection of reserve wine in Champagne. It is the blending of different ‘terroirs’ that is invariably the key to top quality Champagne. The fruit for the Rosé comes from the top villages of Riceys, Abonnay and Aÿ.
Producer
In modern times it was Daniel Thibault’s obsessive focus on quality that came to define them as such a reputable house. Tragically, Daniel died in 2002 and was succeeded by his highly talented and equally focused assistant Régis Camus along with Chef de Cave Thierry Roset. The current Chef de Cave is Cyril Brun. Between them they have won the ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge an unrivaled 13 times. Charles Heidsieck famously age their wines for a minimum of 3 years – usually nearer to 4 – to achieve greater depth and complexity required for the house style.
Grape Variety
37% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir, 26% Meunier.
These are combined with a base consisting of 20% red and white reserve wines – held back from previous vintages, meanwhile 5-6% of the Pinot Noir is vinified as a red wine from Les Riceys. The specific mix of grape varieties is integral to the finished product’s character and definition. Aged for 40-48 months on lees.
Food Match
Rich and textural enough though to go with shellfish and a classic bisque style sauce; also try with an English summer pudding for a real treat.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Alcohol Percentage
12%
In the Press
Best In Show – Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
Gold – International Wine Challenge 2021
Gold – International Wine Challenge 2019
Gold – Sommelier Wine Awards 2019
