Champagne Charles Heidsieck
Charlie - Cellared in 2017

The Champagne Charlie by Charles Heidsieck was created as a tribute to the Maison’s founder, Charles-Camille Heidsieck (1822–1893), an emblematic and visionary figure who embodied the spirit of an entrepreneur, a gentleman, and an innovator. His legend, imbued with boldness and curiosity, continues to inspire the Maison today, which sought to recreate a cuvée capable of reflecting his free and brilliant character — worthy of the name by which he was celebrated around the world: Champagne Charlie.

The cuvée is the result of the art of blending, the most precious legacy left by Charles Heidsieck. While many focused on selecting crus or grape varieties, he chose wines from the finest vignerons of Champagne, allowing each to evolve freely according to its own rhythm and personality. Champagne Charlie is thus born from the union of up to sixty different crus, forming a mosaic of nuances that reflects the complexity and richness of the region.

For this edition, based on the 2016 harvest, the blend includes 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, with a predominance of reserve wines (around 80%), some of which have matured for up to twenty-five years. This heritage of maturity is completed by the freshness and purity of the base vintage wines, achieving a masterful balance that embodies intensity, elegance, and depth. After bottling, the wine matures for at least six years in the Maison’s chalk crayères, where it develops its velvety structure and aromatic complexity.ì

In tasting, Champagne Charlie displays a golden, luminous hue. The bouquet reveals notes of grapefruit and pineapple intertwined with toasted and mineral hints, followed by delicate touches of fresh fruit — apricot and vineyard peach — and lingering pastry aromas. On the palate, it shows a vibrant and seductive structure where youthful freshness meets mature softness, fused into a “dry fleshiness” typical of the Charles Heidsieck style. The fine, perfectly harmonious effervescence accompanies a finish of great purity, enriched by notes of candied citrus and exotic fruits, in a balance that fully reflects the luminous and charismatic soul of Charlie.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck

Founded in Reims in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the Maison represents the youngest legacy of the legendary Heidsieck dynasty. An independent spirit and tireless traveler, Charles brought his Champagne across the Atlantic, conquering America and earning the nickname “Champagne Charlie.” His charisma and vision helped make the Maison a symbol of charm and distinction.

From the very beginning, Charles sought to create wines that reflected his personality — refined, bold, and profound. The selection of the finest grapes, meticulous attention to detail, and slow maturation in the Saint-Nicaise crayères, acquired in 1867, became the stylistic signature of a House that has always favored balance and complexity over passing trends.

Today, Charles Heidsieck continues to embody the pioneering and captivating spirit that forged its legend. Under the guidance of the Descours family, the Maison renews its pursuit of excellence, cherishing time as an essential ingredient. Each cuvée tells a story of Champagne where depth, elegance, and character coexist in perfect harmony.