Charles Heidsieck : Vintage 2018

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the 2018 Vintage of Charles Heidsieck

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a radiant golden hue enhanced by a lively and persistent effervescence.

Nose
The bouquet opens with indulgent aromas of cocoa and roasted coffee, accompanied by notes of quince and roasted pineapple. Aeration gradually reveals a richer fruity palette with nuances of peach, apricot, and blackberry jelly.

Palate
The attack is full and juicy, unveiling a round and generous mouthfeel. The fruity notes intensify throughout the tasting, leading to a taut and flavorful finish marked by a bitter echo of cocoa and licorice.

Food and Wine Pairings

This vintage Champagne pairs perfectly with spaghetti Cacio e Pepe with pecorino and black pepper, a spicy Thai dish like Suea Rong Hai, or grilled mackerel with tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.

A Brut Vintage Champagne with Complex Aromas and a Striking Minerality

The Estate

Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the House of Champagne Charles Heidsieck is distinguished by its 3rd-century chalk cellars, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015, spanning 8 kilometers, 30 meters underground. It is known for its structured and creamy cuvées with a high proportion of reserve wines.

The Vineyard

This brut vintage is sourced exclusively from Grand and Premier Crus located in eight exceptional villages: Ambonnay, Tauxières, Vertus, Bouzy, Verzy, Trigny, Aÿ, and Avenay. These prestigious terroirs benefit from optimal exposures and the characteristic chalky soils of Champagne.

This champagne has a dosage of 8 g/L, giving it a bright, mineral character with remarkable acidity.

The Vintage

The year 2018 was marked by contrasting but ultimately beneficial climatic conditions. A turbulent spring with heavy rains and storms was followed by a hot, dry summer. This alternation promoted rapid and even ripening, resulting in healthy grapes with little rot.

Winemaking and Aging

This champagne Brut benefited from an extended five-year aging on lees in the House's historic chalk cellars. This slow maturation confers rare aromatic complexity and finesse of effervescence.

Blend

55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.