A ‘Sleeping Beauty’ among Grandes Marques champagnes
Charles Heidsieck has been a Sleeping Beauty among Grandes Marques champagnes,’ noted Anthony Hanson MW, when Christie’s announced its historic sale of rare vintages directly from the house’s œnothèque (wine library) where they have been stored, in some cases for more than 50 years.
The sales on 7 December in London and 8-9 December in New York will be the first time that Charles Heidsieck has released an extensive collection from its library to be offered at auction. ‘It is incredibly unusual to have such a range of prestigious vintage champagnes,’ Hanson confirms. ‘These pristine vintages have lain untouched in the house’s cellars since their original bottlings.’
Charles Heidsieck’s Crayères, a series of chalk cellars that date back to the 3rd century, are among the historical sites on UNESCO’s world heritage list. In this labyrinth of 47 galleries some 30 metres underground, the humidity creates a perfect sanctuary in which to leave wines to blossom.
Stephen Leroux, Director of the House of Charles Heidsieck, describes opening the œnothèque to the public as ‘a passionate and powerful act’. As well as offering wine lovers ‘unforgettable experiences’ with these rare vintages, he says ‘distributing such rare bottles in a responsible manner, while ensuring a minimum are available for future generations, is an exercise in balance.’
Wine Description
The Story
Paying homage to his historic cellars, Charles Heidsieck unveils its greatest treasure to œnophiles through a Collection called “Crayères”. Just like an old tome where every page recounts dazzling quests, an œnothèque of staggering vintages is to be revealed in a first edition of five incredible cuvées.
Time, like a “fourth varietal”, has crafted the soul of the wines in the Crayères Collection. Extended ageing on lees has unlocked the full potential of their aromas. Each vintage has its own signature, its own generous tone. Rooted in the highest standards and precise construction, all promise to deliver a harmonious combination of avours.
Selectively released, whosoever is lucky enough to enjoy these precious jewels can boast of experiencing the dream of travelling through time.
Vintage 1985
Severe winter temperatures and spring frosts did great damage, leaving many in the region unhopeful of a good year. The destruction was excessive especially in the northern Montagne de Reims, in the hillside vineyards west of Reims and in the Aube. The early summer weather did not raise the hopes, but finally fine September weather came to the rescue and yields ended up being better than feared (albeit tiny, 6,827 kg/ha) when picking commenced on September 30th. Champagnes from 1985 are typically beautifully balanced and intense with great length and character that is still improving today. Dom Pérignon, Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie and Blanc des Millénaires, Krug Vintage and Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque excelled, to name a few.
