champagne charlie the frenchman who taught americans to love champagne

The House sources grapes from 75ha of its own vineyards spread between Marne and Aube to show the region’s diversity.Ĭharlie Heidsieck also has long-term partnerships with other Champagne growers to supply fruit. Like their namesake Charlie Heidsieck, these are wines of great personality. Champagne Charlie tells the story of a dashing young Frenchman, Charles Heidsieck, who introduced hard-drinking Americans to champagne in the mid-nineteenth century and became famously known as Champagne Charlie. Ignoring critics who warned that America was a dangerous place to do business, Heidsieck plunged right in, considering it 'the land. There is freshness, tension, power and finesse in Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 2007 with accents of lemon meringue and subtle saline notes. Champagne Charlie tells the story of a dashing young Frenchman, Charles Heidsieck, who introduced hard-drinking Americans to champagne in the mid-nineteenth century and became famously known as Champagne Charlie. It’s 60 per cent pinot from 10 grand cru and premier cru vineyards.Ĭharles Heidsieck Reserve Rose is distinctively fruity with bursts of strawberries and raspberries. The crayères provide perfect conditions for storing and ageing wine.Īnd it is there that Charles Heidsieck ages its wines for two to five years longer than required by appellation rules.Ĭhampagne buffs will find much to admire in Charles Heidsieck Vintage Brut 2012 with a taut, mineral freshness and with notes of vanilla and peach and a crisp finish. The caves have a World Heritage listing by UNESCO.

The windfall allowed Charlie Heidsieck champagne House to invest and expand.īy 1867 he owned 47 crayères, the distinctive caves carved out of chalk that lie beneath Reims. Belinda Kuehner celebrates the launch of Champagne Charlie.

Champagne charlie the frenchman who taught americans to love champagne