CharlesHeidsieckCuveeChampagneCharlieBV16NVMagnum

Of the three Champagne houses named Heidsieck â€?all originating from families once related â€?Charles is the smallest and arguably, the best. Established in 1851 by the nephew of Piper-Heidsieck’s owner, Charles Heidsieck himself was the original ‘Champagne Charlieâ€?In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has provided significant finance for both Houses allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production.Today, production occurs alongside sister company Piper-Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims. The Charles Heidsieck Cellars are a Unesco World Heritage site and comprise more than eight kilometres of chalk tunnels interlinking forty seven subterranean cathedrals called Crayères, reaching 30 metres high and believed to have been dug out in the 3rd century.rrTo celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the Champagne house has revived the much-loved Champagne Charlie bottling. But this time, it is a multi-vintage blend. The first, 2016-based release contains 80 percent reserve wines spanning almost two decades and 20% Aÿ Grand Cru Pinot Noir from the 2016 harvest. The final blend 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir going back down to 1998. Champagne Charlie is now planned to be made every few years. The inaugural release stretches to a mere 5500 bottles and future releases will also come in magnums and jeroboams.rrDaniel Thibaultjoined CH in 1976 brought in by Joseph Henriot who purchased the company in 1976, Daniel was quick to work on a plan to create Champagne Charlie as a tribute to founder and introduce a “prestige cuveeâ€?into the Charles Heidsieck portfolio. With a long experience shaping the Charlesâ€?signature wine style, Thibault followed his instinct to undertake what would be one of the most resounding successes in his winemaking career â€?the creation of the five editions of Champagne Charlie â€?1979, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1985 to this day the champagnes if stored well are in remarkable condition.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru rGrape Varieties: 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir from Aÿ, dating back to 1998rLees Ageing: 4 years rBase vintage: 2016 rReserve wines: 78% back to 1998rBottling date: 2017rDisgorged: November 2021rDosage: 7 g/lrProduction: 5,500 BottlesrDrink: Now to 2032rrTasting Note: Based on the 2016 vintage, this wine builds on its magnificent wealth of reserve wines. There is already high expression upon release, a super complex nose with vanilla, burned sugar, caramel and liquorice meeting tangerine, pineapple, dried apricots and honey. The sumptuously sweet character continues on the soothingly mellow palate oozing reserve wine richness. Here, the 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir going back down to 1998 blend harmoniously into something luxuriously textured. Perfectly balanced with its 7g/l dosage. Tasted by Essi Avellan MW