Piper-Heidsieck's roots trace back to Florens-Louis Heidsieck, who created the original company of Heidsieck & Co. Christian Heidsieck joined the venture alongside Guillaume Piper and once Florens-Louis died in 1828, the duo decided to continue the adventure side by side, founding Champagne Piper-Heidsieck.
In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has pumped significant finance into the companies allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production. The brands are now growing their sales fast after many decades of decline. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Charles Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims. Their characteristics differ quite considerably, with Piper opting for a fruitier and lighter style of base wines.
In autumn 2021, Piper-Heidsieck launched their new series of Champagne "Hors-Série" and the first release was Vintage 1971. November 2022 sees the release of the next Hors-Série, which is Vintage 1982. Hors-Série 1982 has been disgorged in the spring of 2022 after 39 years of storage on lees by current cellar master Emilien Boutillat.
Weather in 1982: The results of the 1982 harvest are considered amongst the most exceptional ever witnessed in the history of Champagne. The grapes grew under steady weather conditions. The results were irreproachable and the harvest abundant! The grapes, all varieties included, were in excellent condition and stood out for their nesse, equilibrium and grandeur, hallmarks of a great year in Champagne.
Technical Information:
Vineyards: 12 crus| Chardonnay - Côte des Blancs | Pinot-Noir - Mostly Verzy in the Montagne de Reims
Grape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir & 40% Chardonnay
Lees ageing: 39 years
Disgorged: January 2022
Bottling: 26 through 30 July 1983
Dosage: 4 g/l
Production: 2500 bottles
Tasting Note: Hors-Série 1982 unveils luscious notes of mirabelle plums, kumquats, dried pineapple, and fresh quince, highlighted by a touch of ginger and bergamot tea. Smoky accents of coffee beans and toast balance out the wine’s minerality.
The Piper-Heidsieck Duo: Sauvage & Hors Serie 1982 is also available
here