The Old Fire Station, Old Market, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, Champagne

Charles Heidsieck is one of the great names of Champagne and produces some of the finest of all champagnes. Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the original ‘Champagne Charlie’, the foundation of its modern fame rests on the unrivalled quality of its wines, which receive countless awards and accolades year after year. This success is attributable to the strength and depth of their winemaking team over the past three decades: past cellar masters Daniel Thibault, Régis Camus, Thierry Roset and Cyril Brun were awarded ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge 14 times between them. No other house has won more than twice. The continued pursuit of ever-higher standards of winemaking at Charles Heidsieck is now led by Elise Losfelt who succeeded Cyril Brun as cellar master in March 2023.

The Charles Heidsieck winemaking philosophy is simple, and evident in the Brut Réserve: grapes are sourced from 60 different ‘crus’ across the region; fermentation and ageing of the base wines takes place primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness; it is a blend of 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 33% Meunier, including 50% reserve wines, the average age of which is 10 years; and finally, the Brut Réserve is aged in bottle on its lees for at least three years prior to release. These components combine to give a wine that is more ‘Premium Cuvée’ than ‘Brut Réserve’, and account for its success at competitions.

The Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve boasts a deep golden hue. Delicate, vivacious and long lasting bubbles are the result of a long, slow maturing process in chalk cellars. Thanks to 40% of reserve wines, the blend offers a complex, elegant, voluptuous nose with a touch of freshly baked brioche, rich toasted notes and sun-drenched fruits – mango, apricot and plum – accented by dried fruits, pistachio and almond. On the palate the texture is reminiscent of a crisp layer of nougatine on a velvety cream pastry, filled with red plums and ripe cherries. The selection of reserve wines gives the wine lushness. The finish unveils notes of praline and vanilla.

CONTACT TO ORDER

We can deliver anywhere in mainland Britain from £11.95 per case.