Are you acquainted with Charles?
A glass of »Charles« is immediately recognisable due to the distinctive and complex style for which the small, exclusive champagne house is rightly famous. It is also renowned for the charismatic personality of its founder, whose life has been the subject of several films, the most recent starring Hugh Grant in the leading role. His courageous, entrepreneurial spirit not only shaped the style of the company, it also advanced the development of champagne into an international prestige beverage, a process which took place against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War in the 19th century. The high percentage of reserve wines brings character and depth to the champagnes. Coupled with a silky texture, elegantly fine perlage and long after-taste, each Charles cuvée becomes an unparalleled feast for the taste buds.
The Essence of Style
Even today, the winemaking team led by chef de caves Cyril Brun continuously strives to further refine the quality of each and every vintage, with a dedication founder Charles Heidsieck would be proud of. Year on year, he uses his expert blending skills to create exquisite new champagnes, and was recently awarded the prestigious title of “Best Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2022 (IWC)”. Even for non-vintage champagnes, the minimum maturation period in the “Crayères”, the champagne house’s chalk cellars dating back to the 3rd century, is three years.
With Brut non-vintage blends, the percentage of reserve wines is as high as 50%. To this very day, these reserve wines are characteristic for the unmistakeable style of the champagne house, a style carefully nurtured by exceptionally talented cellar masters who guard it like the precious treasure it has become.
