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.

One of the most awarded vintage rosé champagnes in the world, Charles Heidsieck Rosé Millésime spends a minimum of eight years ageing on the lees in two-thousand-year-old chalk cellars. It is made from a selection of around fifteen Crus throughout Champagne. The grapes which contribute the red wine content originate from Ambonnay, Bouzy, Hautvillers, Les Riceys and Verzenay. The delicate effervescence reveals the aromatic complexity of this blended rosé which is famed for its incredible harmony and depth.

Weather: The 2006 vintage was a year of mixed weather. It began with a rainy spell and late spring, but with little or no frost in the vineyards. Early summer was positive, with the months of June and July creating perfect conditions for flowering. Although there were some storms in late-July, the overall health of the vines was great since the weather remained hot through to the harvest with spells of rain in August promoting even healthier grapes.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru | 15 Crus | Chardonnay: Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Vertus | Pinot Noir: Ambonnay, Avenay, Aÿ, Tauxières
Grape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay | inc. 8% Red Wine
Ageing: 7 years on the lees
Disgorged: 2014
Dosage: 10 g/l
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: A pink colour with hints of orange. On the nose: aromas of orange zest and peaches. On the palate: a vibrant and well structured flavour of rich fruit and peaches. Time in the glass only exacerbates the rich flavouring and ends with a long-lasting finish. Already a stunner but given time this champagne will be even more rewarding.

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.