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CHARLES HEIDSIECK Champagne – Undoubtedly, drinking champagne isn't part of my daily routine, but I'm certainly not averse to a glass as an aperitif before dinner or during a relaxed get-together with friends. These days, I even find myself occasionally browsing the champagne aisle in specialty shops – you never know when a spontaneous toast might be in order at home. The classic champagnes and market giants are probably familiar to everyone – even those who aren't particularly fond of this sparkling beverage. And although the champagne scene, and thus its brand presence, hasn't been quite as saturated as the wine scene, the range of different champagne producers is vast. Keeping track of them all isn't easy, nor is it simple to figure out what you like or what's truly special. That's why I was so excited to recently have the opportunity at the Grapes wine bar in Munich to discover a new and very special champagne from Reims (France) and to recognize and savor its differences. So, let's get started.

Cyril Brun – „Chef de Caves“ (Cellar Master)

Charles Heidsieck Champagne: History, Philosophy and Success

The Reims-based Champagne house CHARLES HEIDSIECK looks back on a long history, beginning in 1775 when Florenz-Ludwig Heidsieck, the son of a pastor, founded the house "Heidsieck & Sons," followed by his nephew Charles Henri joining the company. Charles Henri's son, Charles-Camille, with his reputation as an adventurer and visionary, likely owes the continued success of Charles Heidsieck and its Champagne to his own. With his unique vision of what constituted good Champagne, he founded his own Champagne house, "Charles Heidsieck," in 1851 at the young age of 29 – a small, independent, and family-run business. By creating extravagant yet straightforward wines, Charles laid the foundation for the company's current success. However, as the European Champagne market was already dominated by other houses in the mid-19th century, Charles Heidsieck quickly expanded into the USA. It wasn't long before he conquered the USA, the North and the South, as a Champagne pioneer. Everyone was drinking "Charles," and so his triumphant march continued upon his return to Europe: Belgium, England, and others joined the ranks of Champagne consumers. In 1859, he won a gold medal at the World's Fair in Bordeaux, marking the final breakthrough for this high-quality sparkling wine. From time immemorial, crowned heads and the bourgeoisie alike drank Charles Heidsieck Champagne. Today, he is considered a true gem among Champagne connoisseurs.

A feast for the senses: Charles Heidsieck Champagne with selected dishes.

What makes Charles Heidsieck champagne so special

Besides the highest quality, a clear distinction from the crowd through consistency is paramount – in both taste and production. In addition to using the finest wines for blending, the exceptionally long aging period for the Champagne is a key focus. Over 150 years ago, Charles invested in 47 chalk cellars dating back over 2,000 years to Roman times (the "Crayères" – a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This allows them to utilize the constant temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and high humidity at a depth of approximately 30 meters, ideal for the perfect maturation and development of the characteristic elegance and finesse of Charles Champagne. For comparison, only four other Champagne houses worldwide take this costly step of establishing their own cellars for optimal Champagne maturation. By choosing to age the wines for an exceptionally long time, they acquire an absolutely unmistakable character, aroma, and flavor.

The vineyards in Reims in Champagne

Behind the success of Charles Heidsieck lies a simple yet remarkably sophisticated formula: "60|40|10". This means that the already highly selected Cru vineyards are reduced to 60; the average age of the Réserve wines is ten years, and the proportion of these Réserve wines in the Brut non-vintage is set at a remarkable 401,130. It quickly becomes apparent that the age of the wines, or rather the time they are given to mature, determines the distinctive and expressive character of Charles Heidsieck Champagne. Even the non-vintage cuvées mature for at least three years in Charles's own chalk cellars, instead of the legally required 15 months.

Do you know Charles? 😉

The champagne

If one had to describe both the founder and the champagne in a concise and fitting way, the words "entrepreneur," "visionary," and "gentleman" would probably be most apt. Without being at all ostentatious, the unique character and the realization of the vision conceived many years ago are evident in every sip and every variety of Charles Heidsieck champagne – including when paired with complementary dishes. After a two-hour tasting led by wine and champagne expert Andreas Till, and as a big rosé fan, my personal favorites were both the "Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve" and the "Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve." A true feast for the senses, as was the "Blanc des Millénaires 2004 Prestige Cuvée." As mentioned, even the aroma hints at the delights to come. After the first sip, it quickly becomes clear how crucial even the smallest adjustments are in champagne production. The following wines are offered: 1.) Brut Réserve in a 0.75-liter bottle for €44.90; 2.) Rosé Réserve in a 0.75-liter bottle for €57.50; 3.) Blanc de Blancs in a 0.75-liter bottle for €59.95; 4.) Brut Vintage 2006 in a 0.75-liter bottle for €75; 5.) Rosé Vintage 2006 in a 0.75-liter bottle for €89.00; and 6.) Blanc des Millénaires 2004 Prestige Cuvée in a 0.75-liter bottle for €185.

Would you like to try it or learn more? You can buy the champagne in well-stocked wine shops and online.

COMPETITION (CLOSED, Terms and Conditions deactivated)

Now there's something else to win. And look: Champagne, of course! As mentioned, my clear favorite was the "Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve." And if you click through to my Charles Heidsieck giveaway and enter, you could be the lucky winner of two bottles of Charles Heidsieck Rosé Champagne worth over €110. So go ahead and join in! If you win, you'll automatically have something to toast with. 🙂