Charles Heidsieck - Millesime Vintage Rose2012

ROSE SPARKLING

Description

GENEROUS AND PRECISE, THIS IS CLASSIC BEAUTY IN THE TRADITION OF CHAMPAGNE took its time to mature and, thanks to the sunlight during the year, it developed a generous angular structure which, over the years, became full-bodied and radiant. After more than 10 years on the lees, this Rosé has today fulfilled its promise - a powerful wine with excellent aging potential.

Estate

Charles Heidsieck is the smallest of the Grandes Marques Champagne Houses. Based in the Reims region of Champagne, it is one of the best-known producers for both vintage and non-vintage cuvée. In 1851, young Charles Heidsieck founded his own Champagne house in Reims. He understood that the United States was an important emerging market, so he traversed America repeatedly north to south promoting his new brand. The stylish entrepreneur became known lovingly as “Champagne Charlie.”

Tasting notes

Elegant, pearly pink with delicate, joyful effervescence, the cuvée offers a deep, powerful, and luxurious notes of kirsch, ripe cherries, plum, pomegranate, and cranberry. Rich, radiant and generous, this cornucopia of ripe fruit yields to hints of rich pastries and brioche alongside freshly churned butter. With subtle flavors of candied grapefruit giving way to hints of underbrush, this unbridled and indulgent wine features a power and depth with its full body and long-lasting aromatic persistence. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 10% complementary red grape varieties. Composed of a selection of 12 Grands and Premiers Crus including Ay, Ambonnay, Louvois, Tauxières, Ludes, Cumières, Verzy, Villers Marmery, Vertus, Avize, Oger, Trépail, Les Riceys, and La Montagne de Reims. Aged more than 10 years on the lees. To be enjoyed over the next 12 years. Pairs well with fish, parmesan, seafood and shellfish dishes, summer fruits and white meat.

Technical data

Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru | 12 Crus | Chardonnay: Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Vertus | Pinot Noir: Ambonnay, Avenay, Aÿ, Tauxières
Ageing: 10+ years on the lees
Disgorged: October 2017
Dosage: 10 g/L
Drink: Now to 2028

Vintage

The first grapes were brought in on 9 September. The weather was magnificent, cool, dry and sunny. Cool nights helped to boost the level of sugar in the grapes. Thanks to the heat and rain, grapes were plump, heavier than average and showed an exemplary level of sugar with a potential alcohol level of about 10%. In addition to these promising points, excellent acidity ensured perfect balance and very promising ageing potential for this vintage. First tastings reveal exceptional chardonnays, and subtle and aromatic pinots noirs.

This Rosé took its time to mature: thanks to the sunlight during the year, it developed a generous angular structure that, over the years, became full-bodied and radiant. After more than 10 years on the lees, the wine has today fulfilled its promise, redolent and powerful with excellent ageing potential.