Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV contains a blend of 40% reserve wines (with an average age of ten years) and spends a minimum of three years ageing on the lees: twice the length required for a non-vintage. To achieve the depth and complexity of the House style, Charles Heidsieck then age their non-vintage for a further three years after disgorgement, again much longer than the legal requirement of just fifteen months. Chef de Cave, Cyril Brut sees the reserve wines used in the blending in two categories. 5-10 years old are 'vin medicines' - 'doctor wines', added to the blend, they affect the acidity, whilst the older reserve wines, 10-20 years old are 'vins d'épices' - 'spice wines' added for complexity and intensity. It is this large proportion of mature reserve wines and the extra ageing process that makes Brut Réserve NV one of the world's best non-vintage champagnes - often compared in quality to the prestige cuvées of other producers.
We are currently selling Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV based on 2015, so 60% of the assemblage is from 2015 and the other 40% is a blend of reserves wines from older vintages.
Wine Competition Trophies:
The Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships 2016 - World Champion Classic Non-Vintage Brut Blend
Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru | 60 Crus | Chardonnay: Oger | Pinot Noir: Ambonnay | Meunier: Verneuil
Grape Varieties: 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier
Base Vintage: 2015
Reserve Wine: 40%
Ageing: 6 years on the lees
Disgorged: 2019
Dosage: 10 g/l
Cork:
Mytik Diam Technological
Drink: Now for 10+ years
Tasting Note: Pale gold with fine and persistent bubbles, this has wonderfully complex aromas of ripe apricot and almond. On the palate it's extremely creamy, rich and fresh and also surprisingly nutty - likely a consequence of the age and high percentage of reserve wines. This is without doubt one of the best non-vintages around.