Country: France Region: Champagne 93 points, Wine Spectator, December 2014Gold Medal, International Wine Challenge 2012Trophy Winner, Decanter World Wine Awards 2012Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition 2012Gold Medal, International Wine Challenge 2013Critics Choice Medal, Sommelier Wine Awards 2013Trophy Winner - Non Vintage Champagne, International Wine Challenge 2013Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2013Gold Medal, Sommelier Wine Awards 2013Silver Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition 2013Best in Show, Sommelier Wine Awards 2013Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2014Gold Medal, Sommelier Wine Awards 2014Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2014 Varietal: Sparkling (Champagne style) Vintage: NV  Category: Champagne  Colour: White Producer: Charles Heidsieck "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: Daniel Thibault, Regis Camus and Thierry Roset have between them been awarded 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge fifteen times. No other house has won more than twice. This winning philosophy has been inherited by the new chef de cave, Cyril Brun, who took over in 2015 following Thierry Roset's untimely death in October 2014. The foundation stones of this philosophy are quite simple, and are evident in the Brut Reserve: fermentation and ageing in stainless steel – no oak is used in any of the wines; the wines come from 60 'crus' in Champagne in order to focus the flavours in the final blend; it is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier; there is 40% reserve wine in the blend; the average age of the reserve wine is 10 years; and the wine is aged on its lees for at least five years prior to release. These components combine to give a wine that is more 'premium cuvee' than brut reserve, and accounts for its success at this year's competitions, where it once again won numerous awards. The Rosé Réserve is pale in colour and delicately scented on the nose. The fruit comes primarily from top villages like Riceys, Ambonnay and Aÿ. The 2005 Brut Millésimé is a classic, combining richness and freshness with elegance and length. In a similar vein, the 2006 Rosé Millésimé is floral with a character of fresh raspberries and rosehip that give way to lovely intensity on the palate, which finishes dry and long. The masterpiece from Charles Heidsieck is, however, the 1995 Blanc de Millénaires, one of the most garlanded of all Champagnes. An elegant and distinctive Blanc de Blancs, it was described by Thierry Roset, who made the wine early in his career, as 'the greatest wine I ever made, because the grapes were so good it made itself.' In a world of large houses and luxury brands, it is reassuring that Charles Heidsieck, the smallest of all the grandes marques, is once again family owned and striving to build upon its already fabled reputation."Product Features: Sustainable;Vegan;Vegetarian Winemaker: Thierry Roset Vineyards:  Charles Heidsieck have built exceptional relationships with the most experienced growers across the Champagne region, and can draw on a rich palette of crus. Precise selection of grapes takes place from 60 specific sites. Vineyards which are integral to producing grapes which build the house style are Oger for Chardonnay for its texture, floral notes and ageing ability, Ambonnay for Pinot Noir for its power, vinosity and fruit, and Verneuil for Pinot Meunier for its acidity, body and aromatics. Vinification: After the first fermentation, the wine is racked to separate the lees and then undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity. After blending, using 40% reserve wines which have an average age of 10 years, the cuvée is bottled and selected yeast added to begin the second fermentation. The bottles are placed in the cellars at a temperature of 10°C. In order to achieve the depth and complexity required by the house style, Charles Heidsieck age their Non-Vintage champagne for 5 years before disgorging, much longer than the legal requirement of 15 months. Radiant pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles. Complex pastry aromas, with an opulent combination of ripe apricot, mango and greengages, dried fruits, pistachio and almond. The palate begins with a silky smooth sensation, developing into ripe fleshy apricot, melon and enticing plum pastry notes and delicate spice. A perfect balance of freshness and generosity. Food Suggestion: For special occasions. Enjoy on its own or with delicate seafood appetisers. Closure: Natural Cork   ABV: 12% Classification: AOC  Acidity [g/l]: 6.4