To celebrate 200 years since the birth of Charles Heidsieck, the Champagne House has released a limited edition Brut Reserve. There are only 900 of these bottles and we have received a limited allocation.
THE HOUSE
The Charles Heidsieck Champagne House is renowned for its prestigious heritage and two-thousand-year-old chalk cellars. It gained recognition in the late 1980s when Charles Heidsieck, a pioneer of the house, emphasised the exceptional aromatic evolution of its multi-vintage Brut Champagne. In 1987, Charles Heidsieck became the first Champagne house to mention the “cellared” year, allowing consumers to track the wine’s evolution over time.
The vineyard of Charles Heidsieck spans approximately 60 hectares and is situated in the Marne and Aube regions. The vineyard holds certifications as a sustainable viticultural site and has been awarded the High Environmental Value certification. Following the Champagne tradition, Charles Heidsieck augments its production by collaborating with carefully selected winegrowers and cooperatives in Champagne through long-term contracts.
The wine produced by Charles Heidsieck is remarkable, and 2022 is a significant year as it commemorates the bicentennial of the founder’s birth. Charles-Camille Heidsieck, an elegant and knowledgeable gentleman, was not only a visionary entrepreneur but also expanded the Champagne market by venturing to the United States after establishing the Charles Heidsieck House in 1851. He soon earned the nickname “Champagne Charlie.”
LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE
The Brut Reserve “200 Years of Liberty” Collector’s Edition by Charles Heidsieck is created from a selection of 60 vintages, paying homage to the bold and innovative spirit of Charles-Camille Heidsieck.
Catherine Gran, a French artist, was chosen to undertake a special edition project for the Brut Réserve, a type of champagne. Her task was to transform the bottle into a representation of Charles’ temple, a design that pays homage to history, the vine, and the architectural blend that defines the House. Simultaneously, the design also looks towards the future, drawing inspiration from the sky.
Catherine’s artistic approach involves creating linework that is both incredibly precise and delicate. Her compositions possess a liveliness and vibrancy that resonated with the project. She employs the use of pen and ink, following an ancestral modus operandi, which adds to the timeless quality of her aesthetic universe. Catherine appreciates the notion of continuity across time, celebrating natural beauty and ornamental elegance.
In recognition of her artistic talent and contribution, Catherine Gran’s work became part of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Paris collection in 2017. This achievement further solidifies her status as an esteemed artist in the realm of decorative arts.
IN THE BOTTLE
The vinification process involves using only the first press. It includes fermentation in stainless steel tanks and a small percentage (5 to 10%) in wood. The wine is then aged for 3 to 4 years in the chalk cellars of the house.
The blend of the Brut Reserve “200 Years of Liberty” includes 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 20% Pinot Meunier. The maximum proportion of reserve wines in this cuvée is 50%, while the remaining proportion is sourced from the 2017 harvest.
This elegant wine showcases a beautiful golden hue in the glass. The effervescence is fine and persistent, creating an enticing visual experience.
On the nose, it offers a complex and flavoursome bouquet. It elegantly combines brioche and roasted notes, creating a rich and inviting aroma. Alongside these enticing scents, there are fragrances of ripe fruits such as mango, apricot, and mirabelle plum. Dried fruits like pistachio and almond add further depth and complexity to the nose.
The palate of this champagne is truly captivating. It entices with its structure and mellowness, creating a velvety and luxurious mouthfeel. The fruity notes of plums and cherries add a delightful freshness and juiciness to the overall taste experience. The palate achieves a beautiful balance between richness and freshness, offering a generous and precise flavour profile.
As the champagne reaches the finish, it leaves a lasting impression. The persistence of the flavours is remarkable, with lingering notes of praline and vanilla. These nuances add an elegant and indulgent touch to the overall tasting experience.
This Champagne is ready to be drunk as soon as you get your hands on the bottle, but will also improve with ageing, and will continue to increase in value!
There are no reviews yet.