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: past cellar masters Daniel Thibault, Régis Camus, Thierry Roset and Cyril Brun were awarded ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge 14 times between them. No other house has won more than twice. The continued pursuit of ever-higher standards of winemaking at Charles Heidsieck is now led by Elise Losfelt who succeeded Cyril Brun as cellar master in March 2023.

The Charles Heidsieck winemaking philosophy is simple, and 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 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 33% Meunier, including 50% 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 Brut Millésimé is a blend of around 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Due to summer heatwaves, the 2013 Brut Millésimé is a more structured and full-bodied wine than the fresher 2012. Both display ‘classic Charles’ richness, elegance, and length with great aromatic intensity. In a similar vein, the 2012 Rosé Millésimé is fresh and silky, with toasted and smoky notes of quince, white pepper and peaches that give way to a lovely intensity on the palate, which finishes dry and long.

The Blanc de Blancs Non-Vintage is made exclusively from 10 ‘crus’ of Chardonnay (spanning the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Côte de Sézanne and Mongueux) 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 the saline minerality, exceptional texture and great ageing potential 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.

To celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the House relaunched the legendary Cuvée Champagne Charlie in 2022. Paying tribute to the original five releases of Cuvée Charlie (1979, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1985), the “new Charlie” is the ultimate expression of the Charles Heidsieck style. Eighty percent of Champagne Charlie, Cellared 2017, is a blend of some of the House’s best reserve wines (48% Pinot Noir and 52% Chardonnay going back to 1998), topped up with 2016 Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Aÿ. Grapefruit, pineapple and apricot aromas develop into persistent flavours of pastry and a fresh minerality that beautifully complements the silky, harmonious texture.