Champagne Charles Heidsieck

Charles Heidsieck, the soul of great champagnes

Founded in Reims in 1851, Charles Heidsieck is one of the most noble names in Champagne. Cultivating a unique and recognizable style, marked by elegance, complexity and generosity existing in perfect symbiosis.

Charles Heidsieck, a gentleman, an elegant entrepreneur, committed to reinventing

Charles Heidsieck was bold, visionary and resolutely charismatic. His great uncle was the founder of the Champagne House Heidsieck Cie, founded 37 years earlier. Educated and brought up in the influence of the traditions of Reims and Prussia, Charles decided at the age of 29 to stand on his own two feet. Thus, in 1851, he founded Maison Charles Heidsieck in Reims, and in 1852, Charles Heidsieck left for America. The man knew how to make a place for himself in the very closed circle of American elites. This true conqueror returned to Europe and continued the success of the House, which became the supplier of many royal courts in Europe.

The Chalk Pits, the jewel of the House of Charles Heidsieck, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015

In 1867, Charles Heidsieck acquired forty-seven chalk pits dating back to the 2nd century, representing more than eight kilometers of underground galleries dug right into the chalky rock, located thirty meters below ground. Thanks to the constant temperature that reigns there, the power of time does its work here. They house several million bottles, which rest patiently to perfect their maturation for a minimum of four years, and sometimes more than forty years. A true jewel of the House and an architectural showcase, the Charles Heidsieck chalk pits have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. In 2011, Charles Heidsieck entered a new era in its history when it was acquired by the Descours family. Today, the mission of Stephen Leroux, Executive Director, and Cyril Brun, elected "Best Sparkling Wine Cellar Master of the Year 2019" awarded at the London Wine Challenge, aims to continue the Charles Heidsieck enterprise and perpetuate the values of this great family of Champagne pioneers for whom the world is the only horizon.

Charles Heidsieck, a preserved vineyard

TO TAKE CARE OF THE LAND THAT IS ENTRUSTED TO US

Part of our supplies come from the 75 hectares of the family group's vineyards, 25% of which are Grands Crus. They are harmoniously distributed between the Marne and the Aube to reflect the diversity of the Champagne terroir.

MAKING SUSTAINABLE VITICULTURE A PRIORITY

Since 2015, the Charles Heidsieck vineyard has been certified as "Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne " and " High Environmental Value". These commitments aim at a better respect of:

• The environment: just as one does not take medicine if one is in good health, the House resorts to organic fertilizers if and only if treatments are deemed necessary.


• Biodiversity: The House favours a natural solution to keep away the larvae that ravage the vines. We use sexual confusion of butterflies rather than insecticides.


• Soil maintenance: in order to preserve the life of the soil, since 2005, 80% of our vineyard is grassed (no chemical weed killers), with a goal of 100% by 2020.

EARNING THE TRUST OF GENERATIONS OF WINEMAKERS

To complete its supplies, the company relies on long-term partnerships with numerous winegrowers in the region:
strong bonds are formed, sometimes renewed for four generations. This mutual trust helps everyone to progress in the cultivation of the vine. This delicacy enriches, like time and selectivity, our quality.