Charles Heidsieck is one of the great names of Champagne and produces some of the finest of all champagnes. Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the original ‘Champagne Charlie’, the foundation of its modern fame rests on the unrivalled quality of its wines, which receive countless awards and accolades year after year. This success is attributable to the strength and depth of their winemaking team over the past three decades: Daniel Thibault, Régis Camus, Thierry Roset and Cyril Brun have between them been awarded ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge 14 times. No other house has won more than twice.

Cyril Brun took over as Chef de Cave in 2015. The winemaking philosophy is simple, and is evident in the Brut Réserve: grapes are sourced from 60 different ‘crus’ across the region; fermentation and ageing of the base wines takes place primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness; it is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Meunier, including at least 40% reserve wines, the average age of which is 10 years; and finally, the Brut Réserve is aged in bottle on its lees for at least three years prior to release. These components combine to give a wine that is more ‘Premium Cuvée’ than ‘Brut Réserve’, and account for its success at competitions.

The Rosé Réserve is pale in colour and delicately scented on the nose. The 4-5% of red wine in the blend comes exclusively from Les Riceys, in the Côte des Bar, whose Pinot Noirs are full of flavour while being low in tannin. The 2012 Brut Millésimé is ‘classic Charles’ whilst also exhibiting the hallmarks of such a highly regarded vintage: fresh acidity alongside richness, elegance and length. In a similar vein, the 2008 Rosé Millésimé is floral with notes of ginger and fresh raspberries that give way to a lovely intensity on the palate, which finishes dry and long.

In 2018, the House released a Blanc de Blancs Non-Vintage for the first time in almost half a century. Made exclusively from Chardonnay (50% from the Côte des Blancs, 25% from the Montagne de Reims and 25% from Montgueux), with 25% of reserve wine, its freshness is balanced by its structure, richness and velvety texture, perfectly embodying the recognisable ‘Charles style’.

Charles Heidsieck’s Blanc des Millénaires is the Blanc de Blancs masterpiece of the House. Only seven vintages of this rare cuvée have been produced (1983,1985,1990,1995, 2004, 2006, and, the current release, 2007). Made from the best Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Cramant, Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Vertus), this is an elegant and distinctive Blanc de Blancs. The 2007 is a fabulous vintage showcasing saline minerality and exceptional texture that is the hallmark of any Blanc des Millénaires, this cuvée balances bright acidity and citrus character with gentle toasted, smoky notes. Both fresh and generous on the palate, the silky, creamy texture follows through to a remarkably complex and persistent finish. Blanc des Millénaires 2007 carries all the vivacity, maturity and exceptional ageing potential of an outstanding vintage.

In 2022, to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Camille Heidsieck, the House namesake founder, Charles Heidsieck relaunched the legendary Cuvée Champagne Charlie. Paying tribute to the original Cuvée Charlie released only five times (1979, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1985), the “new Charlie” is the ultimate expression of the Charles Heidsieck House style. Revealed by the Chef de Cave, Cyril Brun, the Cuvée Charlie, Cellared 2017, is a blend of 80% of some of the best reserve wines of the House collection (48% Pinot Noir and 52% Chardonnay going back to 1998), topped up with 20% of 2016 Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Aÿ.

It has notes of grapefruit and roasted pineapple enlivened with the vivacity of toasted and mineral notes. After several seconds, aromas of fresh fruits (apricots, vineyard peaches) briefly appear to give way to persistent notes of pastry. The texture is truly the soul of Charlie, where we find that paradox of juvenile freshness and fleshiness, with a silkiness fitting of a more mature wine. This “dry fleshiness” is enhanced with a highly nuanced effervescence, composed of extremely harmonious bubbles. The finish reveals candied citrus and the exotic notes of passion fruit.