Champagne Charles Heidsieck

‘This is one of my favourite houses in Champagne’ - Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Charles Heidsieck is one of the smallest of the Grandes Marques yet, it is also one of the most admired Champagne houses. The cellar masters have been awarded the prestigious title 'Best Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the London International Wine Challenge 16 times (12 times in the past two decades). It is also the official Champagne supplier for the 2023 Michelin Guide Ceremonies in Great Britain.

Their flagship cuvée, Brut Reserve, is famous for using old reserve wines in the blend and long ageing sur lattes making it a complex, concentrated and immensely appealing Champagne. The price has been creeping up in recent years, however it continues to offer some of the best value in the region. Buy Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve.

Charles Heidsieck’s Story

Charles Camille Heidsieck (1822–1893) was a French Champagne merchant who founded the Champagne firm Charles Heidsieck in 1851. He is credited with popularizing Champagne in the United States and was known as "Champagne Charlie" during his stay.

Charles grew up in the vineyards and gained experience at his uncle’s business, Piper Heidsieck, but his ambitious winemaking philosophy led him to create his own Champagne house in Reims. Unlike many of his peers, Charles always viewed himself as a blender rather than a grower. As a result, he began sourcing most of his grapes from a trusted selection of family growers. He also invested in 47 underground chalk cellars dating back to the 11th century, which are still used to age and blend the wines today.

During his first visit to the USA, Charles quickly saw the potential for the American market and retained an agent to facilitate his import sales which proved very successful. Five years later, he returned to New York City where he was greeted with pomp and celebration. The occasion was covered in newspaper and banquet receptions were held in his honour, hence his nickname Champagne Charlie, a fixture of the New York high society scene.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Grapes are sourced from 60 vineyards, across different crus and all wines are aged in a fabulous cellar made of chalk under the city of Reims known as the "crayères", which is composed of eight kilometres of galleries that benefit from the perfect temperature.

Brut reserve is mainly sourced from three crus, two of them being Grand Crus.
Oger: Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs gives it its fleshy and generous notes.
Ambonnay: Grand Cru Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims is synonymous with power, structure and fruity notes.
Verneuil: Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne ensures its balance and smooth texture.

Made with 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier, each cru is vinified separately mainly in stainless steel (5 to 10% in old Burgundian oak barrels). 50% of reserve wines, the maximum authorised by the AOC rules, is used in the blend, with wines being over 10 years old.

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve’s Scores

Delicate bouquet with aromas of orchard fruit, apricot, warm biscuits, praline, pastry and lemon hints. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and fleshy, the palate is charming with lively acids and a chalky finish. It’s approachable now but also evolving with grace. - 92+ points Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Very impressive for a "regular" non-vintage Brut, not only in terms of aromatic complexity - candied citrus, dried peach and fresh mirabelle plus a hint of bread dough - also in terms of texture, the creamy, rich and crisp sides of the wine neatly interlocking. Long, structured finish. Drink or hold. - 94 points James Suckling