Charles Heidsieck, Brut Millésime 2012
PL Award 1:Gold - IWC 2017 PL Award 2:Silver - DWWA 2017
PL Award 3:Gold - IWC 2016 PL Award 4:Silver - DWWA 2015
PL Award 5:Silver - IWC 2015 PL Award 6:Silver - SWA 2015
Country: France Region: Champagne Vintage: 2012
Varietal: Sparkling (Champagne style) Category: Champagne
Colour: White
Producer: Charles Heidsieck
"Charles Heidsieck is one of the great names of Champagne, and produces some of the finest of all Champagnes. Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the original 'Champagne Charlie', the foundation of its modern fame rests on the unrivalled quality of its wines, which receive countless awards and accolades year after year. This success is attributable to the strength and depth of their winemaking team over the past three decades: Daniel Thibault, Regis Camus and Thierry Roset have between them been awarded 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge fifteen times. No other house has won more than twice.
This winning philosophy has been inherited by the new chef de cave, Cyril Brun, who took over in 2015 following Thierry Roset's untimely death in October 2014. The foundation stones of this philosophy are quite simple, and are evident in the Brut Reserve: fermentation and ageing in stainless steel – no oak is used in any of the wines; the wines come from 60 'crus' in Champagne in order to focus the flavours in the final blend; it is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier; there is 40% reserve wine in the blend; the average age of the reserve wine is 10 years; and the wine is aged on its lees for at least five years prior to release. These components combine to give a wine that is more 'premium cuvee' than brut reserve, and accounts for its success at this year's competitions, where it once again won numerous awards.
The Rosé Réserve is pale in colour and delicately scented on the nose. The fruit comes primarily from top villages like Riceys, Ambonnay and Aÿ. The 2005 Brut Millésimé is a classic, combining richness and freshness with elegance and length. In a similar vein, the 2006 Rosé Millésimé is floral with a character of fresh raspberries and rosehip that give way to lovely intensity on the palate, which finishes dry and long.
The masterpiece from Charles Heidsieck is, however, the 1995 Blanc de Millénaires, one of the most garlanded of all Champagnes. An elegant and distinctive Blanc de Blancs, it was described by Thierry Roset, who made the wine early in his career, as 'the greatest wine I ever made, because the grapes were so good it made itself.'
In a world of large houses and luxury brands, it is reassuring that Charles Heidsieck, the smallest of all the grandes marques, is once again family owned and striving to build upon its already fabled reputation."
Product Features: Sustainable;Vegan;Vegetarian
Winemaker: Thierry Roset
Vineyards:
This millésime was composed of 11 crus, including the vineyards that form the corner stones of the house style - Oger, Avize, Vertus and Cramant for Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir from Mailly and Ambonnay.
Vinification:
After the first fermentation the wines were racked to separate the lees and then underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity. After blending the two varietals, the cuvée was bottled and yeast added for second fermentation. The bottles were placed in the cellars in spring 2006, and remained ageing on lees for eight years. After disgorgement and dosage the wine was aged for a further six months before release.
Tasting Notes:
Golden in appearance, on the nose the aromas are autumnal and warm with notes of praline and lightly toasted hazelnuts. The palate is rich, as would be expected from a warm and generous vintage, with intense notes of dried apricots, dates and figs. Full bodied and layered, and lasting on the finish.
Closure: Natural Cork ABV: 12% Acidity [g/l]: 4.45
Classification: AOC
