Charles Heidsieck Blanc De Blancs NV

Charles Heidsieck was one of the very first Champagne Houses to demonstrate its passion for Chardonnay by producing a Blanc de Blancs in its 1949 vintage. There is also evidence that the Maison had produced some mono-crus from the Côte des Blancs as early as 1906... Through this cuvée, relaunched in 2018, two of the House’s areas of expertise come together: the production of great white wines and the art of blending a large selection of wines from different years and terroirs. The considerable challenge is to make opposites coexist: the tautness and the freshness of young chardonnays on the one hand, and the silky “Charles” character on the other. On the nose: the aromas of mature chardonnay can be recognised initially: white peach, candied citrus with notes of lime, honeysuckle and fresh hazelnut, giving way to subtle hints of tangerine and lemon. On the palate: freshness and tautness mark this typically Charles generosity: the attack is pure and forthright, not aggressive but almost unconventionally suave for a blanc de blancs. So often characterised as being sharp rather than creamy. The harmonious finish offers surprising minerality and salinity.