Charles Heidsieck : Vintage Rosé 2018

Tasting characteristics and serving suggestions for Rosé Millésimé 2018 by Charles Heidsieck

Tasting

Appearance
This rosé champagne reveals an elegant copper hue that charms with its finesse.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals a complex palette combining floral notes of peony, rose and violet, lifted by hints of white musk. Fruity aromas express themselves through blueberry, blackberry, raspberry and pomegranate, complemented by citrus nuances of lemon and blood orange. The whole is adorned with subtle notes of tea and licorice.

Palate
On the palate, this champagne offers a velvety, chalky texture of great smoothness. The classic Pinot Noir fruits unfold with apricot, bitter orange and sweet peach, while richer fruits such as black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate emerge. The finish is marked by a lovely, refreshing acidity.

Food and wine pairing

This Rosé Millésimé 2018 pairs perfectly with Ossau-Iraty served with black cherry jam or goat’s cheese on a bed of arugula. It also beautifully complements sole with peaches, duck à l’orange or glazed duck breast, as well as game with lingonberries.

Cellaring potential

This rosé champagne can be cellared until around 2040.

An exceptional rosé champagne combining richness and elegance

The estate

Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the Champagne Charles Heidsieck House is distinguished by its 3rd-century chalk cellars, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, stretching over 8 kilometers some 30 meters underground. It is renowned for its structured, creamy cuvées with a high proportion of reserve wines.

The vineyard

This cuvée comes from a rigorous selection drawn mainly from Grand and Premier Crus in Champagne, spread over around eleven crus throughout Champagne. The selected villages include Trigny, Ambonnay, Tauxières, Vertus, Bouzy, Verzy, Aÿ and Avenay. Its dosage is 9 g/L.

The vintage

The year 2018 was marked by challenging yet ultimately beneficial conditions. A rainy, stormy spring was followed by a hot, dry summer, allowing the grapes to ripen rapidly. These conditions favored the production of healthy grapes with little rot and excellent sanitary conditions. The high yields made it possible to rebuild stocks after the difficult 2017 vintage, giving rise to fresh, fruity and elegant wines.

Winemaking and aging

This rosé Champagne benefits from extended aging on lees for 5 years in the Gallo-Roman chalk cellars. This exceptional maturation allows the champagne to develop its aromatic complexity and finesse. The early harvest contributed to producing fine, elegant wines characteristic of this vintage.

Blend

59% Pinot Noir and 41% Chardonnay, enhanced by the addition of 9% red wine from Bouzy, which imparts its distinctive aromatic signature.