Charles Heidsieck
Charles Heidsieck is the smallest of the Grandes Marques Champagne Houses. Based in the Reims region of Champagne, it is one of the best-known producers for both vintage and non-vintage cuvée. In 1851, young Charles Heidsieck founded his own Champagne house in Reims. He understood that the United States was an important emerging market, so he traversed America repeatedly north to south promoting his new brand. The stylish entrepreneur became known lovingly as “Champagne Charlie.”
Charles Heidsieck Champagne is distinguished by the high proportion of reserve wines in the Brut Réserve. 40% of the blend is comprised of reserve wines averaging 10 years old, giving the wine uncommon depth and complexity. In addition to the non-vintage Brut Réserve and Rosé Réserve, the winery produces a Vintage Brut, Vintage Rosé and the prestige cuvée Blanc des Millenaires.
Only 60 crus from Champagne are blended to create Charles Heidsieck Champagnes, but the three stylistic pillars that give the Brut Réserve its distinct character are Grand Cru Chardonnay from Oger in the Côte des Blancs, Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims, and the distinct Pinot Meunier from Verneuil in the Vallée de Marne.
