Of the three Champagne houses named Heidsieck - all originating from families once related - Charles is the smallest and arguably, the best. Established in 1851 by the nephew of Piper-Heidsieck's owner, Charles Heidsieck himself was the original 'Champagne Charlie'. In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has provided significant finance for both Houses allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Piper-Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims. The Charles Heidsieck Cellars are a Unesco World Heritage site and comprise more than eight kilometres of chalk tunnels interlinking forty seven subterranean cathedrals called Crayères, reaching 30 metres high and believed to have been dug out in the 3rd century.

After many years ageing in the unique and ancient Crayères acquired by its founder Charles Heidsieck, Brut Millésime reveals itself as a champagne poised between elegance and complexity, with a smooth texture and great length on the palate. Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé 2012 is a blend of ten Grands Crus and Premiers Crus meticulously selected by the House, expressing magnificent minerality, intensity and acidity. This exceptional cuvée was aged for ten years in Gallo-Roman Crayères. True to the Charles Heidsieck style, Millésimé 2012 already displays all the elegance and power of an outstanding vintage, qualities which will only be enhanced with time.

Weather: The 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Relatively low yields due to various weather conditions throughout the year. The winter months brought some frosts and hail which damaged the early stages of bud burst. Much of August was very wet and the year was saved as the sun came out in September and rescued the vintage. Most 2012 have a great balance with purity of fruit and chalky minerality and with the potential to rival the 2002 and 2008's.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru | Chardonnay: Ay, Oger, Vertus, Chouilly, Ludes, Cuis | Pinot Noir: Ambonnay, Tauxieres, Avenay
Grape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
Ageing: 6 years on the lees
Disgorged: April 2019
Dosage: 8 g/l
Cork: Mytik Diam Technological
Drink: Now to mid 2030's

Tasting Note: A brilliant golden yellow colour with glints of green and delicate effervescence. The nose is complex with notes of candied citrus and dried fruits with overtones of pecan and hazelnut. The palate is taut and vivacious, leading to a generous mouthfeel and a pronounced minerality. A long finish with rich aromas and caramel notes.