This limited edition release of this Coteaux Champenois single village red wine offers a glimpse into the art of blending through the heart of the Champagne region. Coteaux Champenois (meaning Champagne hillsides) are still wines produced from the grapes of Champagne. This Coteaux Champenois red comes from the grand cru village of Ambonnay a south facing hillside that catches all the summer sunshine, ideal for ripening red grapes that are going to be used as a red wine. Due to the excellent quality of Pinot Noir at harvest, 2019 was chosen as the vintage for this release.

'Les Champsots’ plot lies in the heart of Ambonnay, a grand cru village on the south side of the Montagne de Reims. The vineyard is naturally conducive to producing red wines and Cyril has decided to take full advantage of its potential with this bottling. The wine is 100% Pinot Noir aged in old oak barrels for 12 months, with further time in bottle before release.

Vinified and aged in 3-4 year old oak barrels for 15 months, with 100% malolactic fermentation.

Weather: The 2019 year started with some ups and downs of frost and rain, but by summer time the skies had cleared and it was an ideal year for Pinot Noir to shine and fully ripen, something you only see in these handful of villages in the Montagne de Reims.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Les Champsots in the heart of Ambonnay
Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Ageing: Vinified for 12 months in oak barrels, with further time in bottle before release.
Drink: Now to 2030

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.