Charles Heidsieck Tasting: Five Exceptional Champagnes to Discover

Some tastings leave a lasting impression. I had the rare privilege of experiencing such a moment at the Parisian headquarters of Charles Heidsieck, accompanied by the Local Noses and Baptiste from the Charles Heidsieck team. It was the perfect occasion to rediscover one of the great names in Champagne through five iconic cuvées—each showcasing depth, complexity, and elegance.

A Legendary Champagne House

Founded in 1851 by Charles Heidsieck, the house embodies both French elegance and international flair. From the start, Charles won over the United States, where he became famous as Champagne Charlie. To this day, the house continues that legacy of refinement and audacity, crafting a distinctive style based on old reserve wines, extended aging in chalk cellars, and an almost obsessive attention to detail.
👉 Learn more about Charles Heidsieck

My Impressions of Five Iconic Cuvées

🥂 Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

• Blend: 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Meunier, 20% Chardonnay – dosage 9g/L

• Distinctive features: 50% reserve wines (up to 20 years old) + long aging

• Tasting notes: A generous, fruity palate with notes of peach, apple, and almond. Carried by fine bubbles and remarkable freshness. Outstanding value for a Champagne of this complexity.

🤍 Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs

• Base vintage: 2018 with 30% reserve wines

• Tasting notes: A 100% Chardonnay with vibrant acidity, revealing aromas of lime, pastry cream, and honeysuckle. The bubbles are broad and energetic, finishing with a pronounced chalky minerality. Ideal for lovers of elegant, structured blancs.

⏳ Brut Millésimé 2013

• Blend: 57% Pinot Noir, 43% Chardonnay – from 9 Premier and Grand Cru parcels

• Tasting notes: A complex nose of dried rose, smoke, dried fruits, and candied citrus. On the palate, a masterful interplay between mocha, salinity, and lemony tension. A gastronomic cuvée with remarkable aging potential.

✨ Blanc des Millénaires 2014

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay – from the grands terroirs of the Côte des Blancs

• Tasting notes: This prestige cuvée offers a crystalline robe and a layered nose: saline minerality, citrus and white fruits, followed by a delicious explosion of brioche, puff pastry, and dried apricots. The palate is silky and full, with a chalky, airy finish. Already magnificent, it will age beautifully.

🎁 Bonus: Rare Champagne Millésimé 2013

• Vintage: 2013

• Tasting notes: A luminous and refined Champagne with evolving aromas: white flowers, kumquat, green tea, then apple, vanilla, honey, and marzipan. The palate is structured and creamy, with meringue, lively citrus, and a hint of delicate smoke. Perfect balance between indulgence and freshness.

Where to Buy These Cuvées?

Eager to taste these gems? You can find several Charles Heidsieck cuvées directly on Vinodelice, including:

• The Brut Réserve

• The Blanc de Blancs

• And a complete selection on the dedicated brand page

A great opportunity to explore or rediscover the unique style of this historic house—at approachable prices for discerning Champagne lovers. 🍾

✍️ About the Author
This tasting was experienced and written by Will, aka @le_vin_voyageur.
A passionate enthusiast and member of The Local Nose, he explores wines from near and far, shares his favorites on Instagram, and takes his community on a world tour of bottles—from French classics to hidden gems from distant lands. A curious, sincere perspective always guided by the pleasure of discovery.