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'. He gained the nickname during his travels around America in the mid-19th Century - a country whose introduction to Champagne is credited to Charles. In 1985 Rémy Cointreau, purchased Charles and during the next 25 years the focus was shifted away from prestige cuvee's because Krug was also in the same ownership. It took until 2011 before Charles was again loved, when Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours whose vision saw investment for growth in vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production. The brands are now growing sales fast after many decades of decline as quality is now back at the top of their agenda. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Piper-Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the outskirts of Reims.

Charles Heidsieck champagnes have a rich history of being served at various infamous events; it was the chosen Champagne of the European royalty in the late 1800s; a photograph from Robert Falcon Scott's fated expedition to Antarctica shows the party drinking Charles Heidsieck at their Christmas dinner; in 1977 the house produced a special vintage for the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and in 1981 a 'Royal Wedding Cuvée' was served to celebrate the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

On March 1, 2023, Elise Losfelt became the Cellar Manager of Charles-Heidsieck. She replaces Cyril Brun who joined Charles Heidsieck in April 2015 to succeed Thierry Roset. Elise Losfelt, 36, has been dedicated to champagne for 10 years, through various positions held at Moët & Chandon. She will carry the vision of the Charles style in the next blends, guaranteeing the unique typicity of the House's wines.

Cellar Master: Elise Losfelt
Winery Location: Reims | Champagne, France
Champagne Region: Montagne de Reims
Annual Production (bottles): 1,800,000

Chef de Cave History at Champagne Charles Heidsieck:

Elise Losfelt - March 2023 to current

Cyril Brun - April 2015 to April 2023 Cyril re-engineered & re-launched Champagne Charlie some 37 years after its initial launch and shifted the blend of Brut Reserve to using a touch of oak which allowed CH to continue with its growth plans.

Thierry Roset - 2012 to 2014 Recruited by Daniel Thibault in 1988 as his deputy and in 2003 after Daniel passed away he became a full time member of Regis's winemaking team leading to him creating the “new Charles style” from 2007. His last "big task" was to oversee the smooth transition in winemaking when ownership shifted from Remy Cointreau to the EPI Group.

Regis Camus - 2002 to 2012 from1994 to 2002 Regis was assistant to Daniel Thibault and won 8-times "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" 2004, 2007-2013 International Wine Challenge. From 2003 he oversaw a winemaking team that managed all three brands; Piper, Rare and Charles. From 2013 Regis focussed his time on Champagne Piper-Heidsieck and Rare.

Daniel Thibault - 1975 to 2002 brought us Champagne Charlie with the 1979, followed by a 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1985 and the mis en cave labelling concept & introduced 40% reserve wines as being a new average! Much of what we see today with Collection Crayeres, the recent releases of old vintages of the 80's and 90's give us a glimpse into the genius of this man; champagnes that are gorgeous four to five decades after the harvest.

Suitable for Vegans - no animal derivatives are used in the making of Charles Heidsieck Champagnes.