Piper-HeidsieckEssentielCuveeExtra-BrutBV19NV

Piper-Heidsieck’s roots trace back to Florens-Louis Heidsieck, who created the original company of Heidsieck & Co. Christian Heidsieck joined the venture alongside Guillaume Piper and once Florens-Louis died in 1828, the duo decided to continue the adventure side by side, founding Champagne Piper-Heidsieck.rrIn 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has pumped significant finance into the companies allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production. The brands are now growing their sales fast after many decades of decline. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Charles Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims. Their characteristics differ quite considerably, with Piper opting for a fruitier and lighter style of base wines.rrPinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims give the structure and the Chardonnay from la Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims expresses the elegance and charm of the vintage.Cuvée Brut is a round and vibrant non-vintage Cuvée Brut recalling the rich variety of its blend of 100 crus from across Champagne. rrWeather: The 2019 growing period posed many challenges following budbreak in early April, which brought severe spring frosts that took their toll on the vineyards. Early summer was variable, with powdery mildew becoming a serious threat. The summer season saw two heatwaves in June and July, with a record-breaking temperature. As a consequence, scalding destroyed some 10% of the expected harvest. The warm and sunny weather continued throughout August and September, bringing concentration and richness. Cool nights were crucial in helping the grapes retain their fresh acidity. Chardonnay was more problematic in 2019, due to its susceptibility to powdery mildew. A slightly smaller crop was picked, commencing September 2nd. On paper, the potential alcohol level was slightly up from 2018 and the acidity a little higher, thus the balance looks excellent. Initial tasting confirms good tension and fine purity in the wines. rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: Grand Cru, Premier Cru | Chardonnay: Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims | Pinot Noir: Montagne de ReimsrGrape Varieties: 56% Pinot Noir, 35% Meunier & 29% ChardonnayrReserve Wines: 29%rBase Wine: 2019rDosage: 5 g/lrDisgorged: October 2023rTime on Lees: 3 yearsrAlcohol: 12%rCork: Mytik Diam TechnologicalrDrink: Now to 2032rrTasting Note: Lots of zesty citrus, lemon and lime with notes of almond and fresh hazelnut accompanying the subtle and light pear and apple flavours. On the palate you see grapefruit and and juicy white peach and some bright citrus notes fill the mid palate with the lees texture really adding to the mouthfeel and a zip of salinity keeps it fresh on the finish.