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.

This bottle of NV or as Charles call them "mis en cave" part of Charles Heidsieck Collection Crayeres, a second late release of vintages direct from their cellars in Reims in November 2020. The releases are very limited quantities & a perfect chance to buy & enjoy champagne with age in its very best condition. This is the fourth time of an annual “Collection Crayeres” release & honours five of the oldest vintage & non-vintages & showcases their exceptional capacity for withstanding time, their incredible aromatic opulence capacity & their structure after several decades of cellaring.

Mis En Cave is a name for the concept of NV the “Charles way” whereby the Champagne is 'laid in cellar' in the spring after the harvest. Charles Heidsieck have released several bottles Mis En Cave 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2008 Each of these bottles contains the non-vintage wine with the base vintage of the year before. Mis en Cave 1987 is the same as saying it is a NV from the dominant vintage 1986!

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru
Grape Varieties: 38% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay, 23% Meunier
Disgorged: 2000
Mis En Cave: 1995 or base vintage 1994
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: Brisk, complex aromas of lemon, apple, chicory, cumin, nutmeg and coffee. Very strong, persistent mousse. Spicy, lively and on the dry side, with strong extract and hints of grilled nuts and coffee. Long, tactile finish. Substantial, youthful Champagne. - Tasted by Stephen Tanzer

You can see the full Mis en Cave Trio here

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 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. The brands are now growing their sales quite fast after many decades of decline. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Piper-Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern 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 officially became the Cellar Manager of Charles-Heidsieck. She replaces Cyril Brun who joined Charles Heidsieck in April 2015 to succeed Thierry Roset. In 7 years Cyril has been part of the continuity of the great cellar masters of the House. Daniel Thibault, Régis Camus and Thierry Roset have, each in turn, perpetuated this style, holding the heart of the House in their hand. 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

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