Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs has a pale and crystalline gold colour. The nose displays aromas of mature Chardonnay; white peach, candied citrus and notes of lime, honeysuckle and fresh hazelnuts that gently fade into subtle hints of tangerine and lemon. The palate, shows all the hallmarks of a Charles Heidsieck Champagne: boldness, generosity and elegance. It's embracing yet light and displays an appealing minerality, with slightly saline notes. It's silky, creamy texture leaves a lasting impression.
Vineyards:
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs brings together many of the best Chardonnay crus from three Champagne sub regions. It is made from a majority of crus from the Côte des Blancs (Oger, Vertus), and Montagne de Reims (Villers-Marmery, Trépail, Vaudemange) and the exceptional cru of Montgueux, in the northern part of the Aube, near Troyes.
History:
In the 19th century, using instinct to find the ideal place to age wine, Charles Heidsieck decided to purchase chalk cellars dating back to Gallo-Roman times, located in the historic heart of Reims. This bold decision turned out to be a master stroke, as these cellars proved to be a haven where the humidity and 10°C temperature remain constant.
Winemaking:
After the first fermentation in stainless steel, the wines are racked to separate the lees and then undergo malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity and to enrich their texture. This 100% Chardonnay blend comprises 25% reserve wines with an average age of 6 years. All the reserve wines are aged in stainless steel vats on their fine lees. To achieve the depth and complexity required by the house style, the Blanc de Blancs ages for up to 6 years in Charles Heidsieck's chalk cellars (The Crayeres); much longer than the legal requirement of 15 months.
Background:
Charles Heidsieck is one of the most admired Champagne houses in the world. This is thanks to the unrivalled high quality and consistency of their wines. Founded back 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 that between them have been named 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge no less than 16 times.
