The mythology of Champagne Charlie is entwined with the spirit of a man who left his House with so many innovative ideas and who understood what it meant to be an entrepreneur, a gentleman, and an innovator. Due to his independence and sense of adventure, his successors were inspired to develop a cuvée in his honour and, more specifically, to honour his nickname.
About Champagne Charlie by Charles Heidsieck
Much like Charles Heidsieck himself, Champagne Charlie has carried forward the tradition of skilful blending that sets Charles Heidsieck wines apart.
While other champagne producers may have directed their attention towards choosing specific vineyards, grape varieties, and areas, the focus of Champagne Charlie has been on fostering collaborations with exceptionally talented winegrowers across the Champagne region. This approach allows Champagne Charlie to curate a diverse selection of wines from a wide array of villages, contributing to the complexity and uniqueness of their cuvées.
The best thing about Champagne Charlie is they’re not rushing things. Instead of following a rigid timeline, they let each cuvée take its time to develop its own special character. This commitment to patient ageing and development sets Champagne Charlie apart from the norm.
Champagne Charlie’s secret weapon is the art of blending, which not only creates exceptional flavours and aromas but also ensures that their wines have a remarkable potential to age beautifully over time.
A significant portion of this blend is composed of reserve wines, sometimes up to almost 60 different crus, that have been aged on lees for an impressive period, often up to 25 years. This extended ageing process contributes to the distinctive character and remarkable quality of Champagne Charlie cuvées.
Champagne Charlie carries forward the important legacy of Charles Heidsieck’s art of blending, showcasing a dedication to collaborating with skilled winegrowers, curating diverse village wines, and allowing each cuvée to age to perfection.
The result is a range of exceptional, delicious champagnes that exhibit complexity, depth, and an impressive capacity for ageing, with the Champagne Charlie cuvée standing out as an ultimate example of their skills.
Champagne Charlie cellared 2017
“For this new edition of Charlie, I took my inspiration from previous editions, tasting each of the past releases to reconnect with the initial creation. My first impression was overwhelming; the freshness and aromatic intensity and silky, saline finish could be systematically found in all the wines, as if these qualities transcended the effect of vintage. It was the key… This renaissance Charlie is a multi-vintage wine. The intentional use of reserve wines is also, for me, a symbol of greater freedom of creation in this quest for the absolute.” says cellarmaster Cyril Brun.
Cuvée Champagne Charlie is 80% matured reserve wines and 20% wines from 2016.
48% Pinot Noir and 52% Chardonnay.
The Champagne has roasted pineapple and grapefruit aromas with mineral and toasted elements. Aromas start to evolve into apricots and fresh peaches, finishing with a hint of pastry. On the palate it’s fresh, textural and complex, showing flavours of candied citrus and exotic fruit such as passionfruit. Its fine and silky bubbles make it into a perfect savourable wine.
Champagne Charlie cellared 2020
‘Champagne Charlie Cellared 2020’ marks only the second release since the cuvée’s revival and has the potential to equal its predecessor, which earned a perfect 100 points from *Wine Enthusiast*. For this exceptional blend, the winemaking team delved deep into Charles Heidsieck’s historic cellars to draw on one of the Maison’s most prized treasures: a 1996 Chardonnay reserve wine from the Grand Cru village of Cramant. This remarkable component highlights the enduring skill of the House’s winemakers and cellar masters across generations, showcasing their unparalleled ability to preserve and elevate great wines over time.
The blend is comprised of 66% Chardonnay and 34% Pinot Noir.
The bouquet is pronounced and complex, opening with rich aromas of cacao and dark chocolate, complemented by delicate pastry notes that lend a bold, commanding character. This intensity softens into a vibrant medley of fresh and candied yellow fruits bringing brightness and balance. Layers of blackcurrant and blackberry add depth, while subtle floral tones of peony and vanilla blossom intertwine with hints of liquorice, exotic spices, and a touch of pepper, creating an exceptionally intricate and distinctive aromatic profile.
The palate begins with striking power and full-bodied intensity, evolving into a luxurious, creamy texture that reveals a firm, confident structure. The complex aromas carry seamlessly through, expressed with clarity and depth in every layer. The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of liquorice and bitter orange, gently framed by a subtle hint of oak.
Awards
Jancis Robinson – 17++ points
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