Champagne Charles Heidsieck
Réserve "200 Years of Liberty" Edition Collector

This year (2022) Maison Charles Heidsieck celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of its founder: Charles-Camille Heidsieck - a visionary entrepreneur, who did not hesitate, after the creation of the Maison in 1851, to travel to the United States to promote his Champagne, which was soon affectionately nicknamed 'Champagne Charlie'.

The Brut Réserve "200 Years of Liberty" Edition Collector by Charles Heidsieck pays tribute to the elegance and boldness of its founder with a bottle designed and created by artist Catherine Gran.

The result of blending 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier from grapes harvested in sixty crus, the most significant of which are Chardonnay from Oger (Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs) bringing its rich and generous notes; Pinot Noir from Ambonnay (Grand Cru in the Montagne de Reims) for its power, structure and fruity notes; and Meunier from Verneuil (Vallée de la Marne) which ensures balance and smoothness.

Approximately 50% vin de réserve over 20 years old is added to the harvest base, followed by bottle ageing "sur lies" for over 36 months.

The Champagne Brut Réserve "200 Years of Liberty" Edition Collector presents itself to the eye with a golden yellow colour of great depth. To the nose it offers notes of freshly baked brioche, opulent toasted nuances and hints of mango, apricot and mirabelle plum - accentuated by dried fruits such as pistachio and almond. On the palate, the texture is reminiscent of a crunchy layer of chocolate-covered caramelised almonds on a velvety cream paste, with a filling of red plums and ripe cherries. The selection of vin de réserve lends fullness to the wine. The finish reveals a touch of praline along with vanilla and glazed pastry notes.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck

The youngest maison, born from Florens-Louis Heidsieck (founded in 1851), is probably one of the most famouse one. This is due to its founder Charles-Camille Heidsieck, who understand the potential of the American market and started exporting big quantities. When the American Civil War broke out, he went to the United States to get his credits back and he was involved in many adventures, such a imprisonment in New Orleans accused of spionage. The Americans called him Champagne Charlie, which today is also the title of his biography and the 1989 movie starring Hugh Grant, about his life. Today Charles-Heidsieck is part of the same group as his cousin Piper-Heidsieck: they have a Chef de Cave (Régis Camus) in common, but not the style. The Champagne Charles Heidsieck are structured and long refined wines, while Piper-Heidsieck prefers freshness and drinking experiences.