2013 CHARLES HEIDSIECK, Brut Millésimé. Champagne

Based in Reims, Charles Heidsieck own (or buy grapes from) 120 different vineyards. Unlike most areas, it is the blending of different ‘terroirs’ that is invariably the key to top quality Champagne. This is a blend of ten Grand and Premier Crus (Oger, Vertus, Chouilly, Cuis, Verzy, Aÿ, Ludes, Ambonnay, Tauxières and Avenay).

57% Pinot Noir and 43% Chardonnay; aged in bottle on the lees for 8 years to get the nutty complexity unique to mature Champagne.

In the last century Charles Heidsieck had a mixed history but towards the end of the century the whole focus shifted to making the highest quality Champagne – driven first by cellar master Daniel Thibault, then through Régis Camus, Thierry Roset, and Cyril Brun they elevated the House to the highest level – accredited between them as being awarded “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” no less than 16 times by the International Wine Challenge! Today the new cellar master is Elise Losfelt. Still family owned and run (by the Descours family since 2011) Charles Heidsieck is simply as consistently good and refined as any Champagne house.

Now the leading ‘Grande Marque’ house for mature styles. This has toasty richness finely balanced by firm freshness – top quality by any standards.

A very special wine for a special occasion and so the finest food – scallops or lobster – might be appropriate.