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Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc Non-Vintage
Charles Heidsieck was one of the very first Champagne Houses to demonstrate its passion for Chardonnay by producing a Blanc de Blancs in its 1949 vintage. There is also evidence that the Maison had produced some mono-crus from the Côte des Blancs as early as1906... Through this cuvée, relaunched in 2018, two of the House’s areas of expertise come together: the production of great white wines and the art of blending a large selection of wines from different years and terroirs. The considerable challenge is to make opposites coexist: the tautness and the freshness of young chardonnays on the one hand, and the silky “Charles” character on the other. The Blanc de Blancs is the result of a very selective blend of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Cote de Sezanne and Montgueux. The cuvée base 2016 is composed of 10 crus of Chardonnay, the most sought-after grapes in the region. For this cuvée, only the juice from the first press are used and, the wines benefit from a slow and long maturation of 3 to 4 years, far beyond the norms of the region. From the bottle to glass, this champagne is a pale, crystalline gold colour with glints of the Chardonnay varietal. On the nose the aromas of mature Chardonnay can be recognised initially: white peach, candied citrus with hints of lime, fresh hazelnut and honeysuckle, giving way to subtle hints of tangerine and lemon citrus. On the palate freshness an tautness mark this as almost unconventionally suave for a blanc de blanc, so often characterised as being sharp rather than creamy. The harmonious finish offers a surprising minerality and a slight salinity.
Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve Non-Vintage
In 1822, Charles-Camille Heidsieck is born. This happy event took place 37 years after his grand-uncle founded the Champagne Heidsieck et Cie House. Little Charles grew up in the midst of grapes, loved by his mother, Emilie Henriot, and his sisters, in a family ruled by Reims traditions and Prussian rigour. Well-educated, he stands out for his integrity and elegance. At 29 years of age Charles took his destiny in hand and founded a House in his image. His audacity, adventures and the renown of his wines would make him a legend in his time. His distinctive aesthetic choices made the Maison unique and renowned amongst all others, or as was said: Typiquement Charles. In his area as well as today, to be Typiquement Charles means flouting convention, bowing to no influence, pushing the envelope and forgetting long-lasting steadfast relationships. Like the Brut Réserve, the Rosé Réserve is the result of meticulous attention and stands out for its unconventional character. The Rosé Réserve is also the result of juices from the first press only and, the wine benefits from a slow and long maturation of 3 to 4 years, far beyond the norms of the region. 80% of the year’s wines are composed of equal portions of Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while the 20% of reserve wines are made up of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. The total of the cuvée is therefore 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 25% Meunier. Each are vinified cru by cru, varietal by varietal, in stainless steel vats. To ensure the ideal balance of freshness and elegance on one hand and structure and complexity on the other, the Cellar Master bides by a House principle, intentionally selecting reserve wines that are younger than those of the Brut Réserve. The red reserve wines, from the leading Pinot Noir terroirs, date from up to 5 years before the last harvest. 5 to 6% of wines vinified in red provide tannins and the fragrance of red fruits, a base upon which the Cellar Master will subtly develop a full-bodied, voluptuous rosé.