Champagne Charles Heidsieck introduce a brand-new wine to the range, or should we say, a relaunch…introducing Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV.
Charles Heidsieck’s provenance is immense. It was founded by Charles-Camille Heidsieck (the famed Champagne Charlie) in 1851. A company with this history does not introduce a new wine without a lot of careful thought, care and attention. The news of their new release Blanc de Blancs Non-Vintage is therefore more than exciting and has Charles lovers on the edge of their seats.
This is a champagne house that differs in many ways. There is no large advertising budget that leads to the wine being splashed over boats or appearing on the podium at top sporting events. Rather a house that grew its reach through word-of-mouth, and a reputation for impeccable quality. If you gather together a group of aficionados or industry insiders and ask them what their top non-vintage champagne is, nine times out of ten it will be Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve. To some extent, the wines of Charles Heidsieck are one of the best kept secrets of the Champagne region. They punch well above their weight.
The wines are matured 25m underground in Crayères, a series of chalk cellars dating from the 3rd century, veritable subterranean cathedrals. These are under the watchful eye of Cyril Brun, who is following in the footsteps of previous famed Chef de Caves – Daniel Thibault, Régis Camus and Thierry Roset. Cyril is stamping his own touch of genius on this distinguished brand, with the largest collection of reserve wines in Champagne at his disposal.
The house of Charles Heidsieck has always championed Chardonnay. Their top cuvée, Blanc des Millénaires, is an exquisite expression of the variety and one of the wines that sparked my interest in this industry, which led to my career. Charles Heidsieck’s 1949 vintage wine was 100% Chardonnay, a Blanc de Blancs. The historical records show that Chardonnay was made as a mono cru at the house as early as 1906. Thus, this release is more of a relaunch!
Charles Heidsieck’s grandson, Charles-Marcel, is behind the creation of this wine, leaning on the pioneering spirit he inherited from his grandfather. Made of 100% Chardonnay, there is 25% reserve wine in the blend and, as we’ve come to expect from Charles Heidsieck wines, longer ageing than that which is prescribed.
Glengarry are delighted to have this wine on our shelves from August this year. Imported to be sold exclusively in Glengarry stores, it is a splendid wine that we can’t wait to share with you.