Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV has a radiant soft gold colour with a fine and persistent perlage. The nose exhibits complex pastry aromas, with a generous combination of ripe apricot, mango, greengages, dried fruits, pistachio and almond. The palate initiates with a silky-smooth sensation, this further develops into ripe fleshy apricot, melon and enticing plum pastry notes, with delicate spice.
This opulent Champagne has the perfect balance of freshness and generosity. It's produced with a lot of heart and skill from the smallest and arguably the best of the Grande Marques.
Vineyards:
Charles Heidsieck has built exceptional relationships with the best growers across Champagne. Precise grape selection takes place from 60 specific sites. The vineyards which are at the heart of blend, that sustain the house style are Oger for Chardonnay; giving texture, floral notes and ageing ability, Ambonnay for Pinot Noir; for its power, vinosity and fruit, and Verneuil for Meunier; giving the acidity, body and aromas.
Production:
Fermentation of the base wines takes place primarily in stainless steel tanks with just a small fraction fermented in oak barrels, adding to the texture of the finished wine. After the first fermentation, the wine is racked to separate the lees and then undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity. After blending, using 40-46% reserve wines with an average age of 10 years, the cuvée is bottled and selected yeast added to begin the second fermentation. To achieve the depth and complexity required by the house style, Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve ages in chalk cellars for over 3 years before disgorging. This is more than double the legal requirement of 15 months.
Background:
Charles Heidsieck is one of the most admired Champagne houses thanks to its unrivalled high quality and consistency in its wine. Founded in 1851 by the man who would become known as 'Champagne Charlie', this family-owned house is the smallest of the Grandes Marques. Their size and commitment to excellence, is underpinned by a winemaking team who have been named 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge no less than 16 times.
