The history of the House of Charles Heidsieck
Charles Heidsieck, the founder
Founded in1851, thereMaison Charles HeidsieckIt is distinguished today by its integrity and elegance. Having grown up surrounded by vineyards,Charles HeidsieckThe founder created this company at the age of 29. Very quickly,Charles Heidsieckfocuses on exports across the Atlantic, particularly to the United States, where he has met with considerable success. Pragmatic and ambitious, this young entrepreneur is indeed recognized as one of the first champagne producers to export his wines internationally. Through his numerous travels,Charles HeidsieckHe embodies French charm and captivates the international scene. His personality, elegance, and above all, his ease, allowed him to quickly become an important figure.
In 1867,Charles Heidsieckacquires the site ofChalk cellarsThe cellars date back to the 3rd century BC. For him, this acquisition is crucial, as it will allow his wines to benefit from the best possible storage conditions. These cellars, comprising over 8 km of galleries located 30 meters underground, now house several million bottles.
Controlled by theDescours familysince 2011, theMaison Charles Heidsieckis now among the largest. Its philosophy and expertise continue to inspire, particularly through theCellar Masterswho have received numerous awards for excellence.
The terroir of Maison Charles Heidsieck
The Charles Heidsieck style
ThereMaison Charles Heidsieckis very respectful of the Champagne tradition. Today, it owns and cultivates more than60 hectares of vineyardsspread across the Marne and Aube departments. Deeply committed to respecting nature, the Maison's vineyard is certified insustainable viticultureand certifiedHigh Environmental Value.From soil nutrition in the vineyard to waste management, this certification allows for a comprehensive approach to the vineyard's daily operations and fosters the production of wines with such a unique character. The wines of theMaison Charles HeidsieckThey are renowned for their unique world and style. The assertive personality of their champagnes represents the unique signature of this renowned house.
Winemaking at Maison Charles Heidsieck
The Maison's expertise
Each of the specific grape varieties of theChampagneis chosen for its distinctiveness. Among them are thechardonnaywhich will bring freshness and elegance to the wines. Also, we find thePinot Noirwhich will give the wines their structure. Finally, thePinot Meunierwill shape the vinosity and generosity of the champagnes. The climate that the vines benefit from is ratheroceanic and continentalRegarding soil composition, varying proportions of chalk are found.Campanian,of thick hard limestones, chalk gravels, Sparnacian clays, Lutetian marls and Belemnite chalk. The area practices a
Sustainable viticulture.
The winemaking method used is the traditional Champagne method, meaning that temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks are employed.Maison Charles Heidsieckpracticemalolactic fermentationfor the white wine cuvées. Then, after aging on lees, which is also a mandatory practice for champagnes, the estate proceeds to expel the deposit by disgorging with ice.
