Features
Name:
Champagne Blanc De Blancs Charles Heidsieck
Terrain:
calcareous and rich in gypsum, largely composed of calcite grains
Cellar
Charles-Camille Heidsieck was born in 1822. This happy event took place 37 years after his great-uncle founded the Champagne Heidsieck et Cie House.
Little Charles grew up among grapes, loved by his mother, Emilie Henriot, and his sisters, in a family governed by the traditions of Reims and Prussian rigour.
Educated, he distinguished himself by his integrity and elegance.
At the age of 29, Charles took his destiny into his own hands and founded a Maison in his own image. His audacity, his adventures and the fame of his wines would make him a legend of his time.
His distinctive aesthetic choices made the Maison unique and renowned among all, or as it was known: Typiquement Charles.
Charles was the cornerstone of a distinguished lineage.
His ambitions served to guide his descendants through the centuries.
In 2011, the Descours family took over the Maison with the aim of ensuring its international reputation.
Description
Blanc de Blancs is the result of a very selective blend of 100% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and, in particular, the 2016 base cuvée is composed of 10 crus of Chardonnay, the region's most sought-after grapes. Only the must from the first pressing is used for this cuvée and the wines benefit from a slow and long maturation of 3 to 4 years, well beyond the norms of the region.
Organoleptic characteristics:
Pale, crystalline gold with the typical reflections of the Chardonnay grape variety. The aromas of ripe Chardonnay are initially recognisable: white peach, candied citrus with notes of lime, honeysuckle and fresh hazelnut, leaving room for subtle hints of mandarin and lemon. Freshness and tension mark this typically Charles generosity: the attack is pure and forthright, not aggressive but almost unconventionally suave for a Blanc de Blancs, so often en characterised by being sharp rather than creamy. The harmonious finish offers surprising minerality and a slight salinity.
Storage time:
3-4 years
Vinification
First alcoholic fermentation in steel containers, addition of red-processed pinot noir (6%) and fully malolactic fermentation, then re-fermentation in the bottle according to the champenoise method
Acknowledgements
Robert Parker 92/100
Wine Spectator 91/100
Decanter 90/100
