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standout the original Champagne Charlie

about Charles Heidsieck made, lost, and remade his money in the US in the mid-nineteenth century, making champagne popular and gaining the name of “Champagne Charlie.” The wines nowadays remain distinctive: dosage is high at 10.5g/l and the base wines for the non-vintage range between five and twenty-five years in age.

wines tasted

Brut Réserve NV ($50)

One of the best and most consistent non-vintage champagnes which is widely available commercially. 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Meunier. Sixty different wines in the blend, with the villages of Oger (Côtes des Blancs), Ambonnay (Montagne de Reims), and Verneuil (Vallée de la Marne): classic champagne blend.

Rosé Réserve NV ($60)

40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 25% Meunier. Colour comes from 5-6% Pinot Noir which is at least five years’ old. Lightly fruity but not too lean.

Millésime Blanc des Millénaires (vintage) ($200+)

One of the most iconic champagnes, made only in exceptional vintages: the first was 1983, since made in 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2004. All Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs Crus: Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Cramant, and Vertus. High acid belies the long lees ageing: a wine which marries the freshness and maturity of the best champagne in a subtle yet powerful, vinous style.

website https://charlesheidsieck.com/en/

email charles@charlesheidsieck.com

phone +33 3 26 84 43 00

address 12 Allée du Vignoble, Reims