Charles Heidsieck : Blanc des Millénaires 2017

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Blanc des Millénaires 2017 by Charles Heidsieck

Tasting notes

Colour
Blanc des Millénaires 2017 reveals a luminous, brilliant pale gold colour, typical of great Chardonnays from the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs.

Nose
The nose opens on a creamy, pastry-like register, with notes of toasted brioche, butter and brioche dough. It then evolves towards fresh hazelnut, almond and a hint of pear and frangipane tart, before revealing floral touches of violet and dried white flowers, accompanied by a hint of chalk and white peach.

Palate
The palate captivates with a silky, creamy, almost lace-like texture, carried by a fresh, airy attack. The length is remarkable, underpinned by subtle salinity and a chalky minerality characteristic of the great terroirs of the Côte des Blancs.

Food and wine pairings

This Champagne pairs beautifully with seafood and shellfish, such as oysters or scallops, as well as fine fish delicately cooked. It also works very well with white meats in a creamy mushroom sauce, or with lightly sweetened desserts based on almonds or pears.

Serving and cellaring

Blanc des Millénaires 2017 benefited from seven years of maturation in the House's ancient chalk cellars before its release. It can be enjoyed now, with critic James Suckling recommending drinking it now or keeping it in the cellar, depending on personal taste.

A Blanc de Blancs from the Côte des Blancs by Charles Heidsieck

The estate

Founded in Reims in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck built its reputation on ageing its wines in ancient Gallo-Roman chalk pits, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since 2011, it has belonged to the Descours family through the EPI group. Its vineyard extends over 75 hectares, spread across the Marne and the Aube. The House stands out for its in-depth work on reserve wines and its demanding environmental policy.

The vineyard

Blanc des Millénaires 2017 comes exclusively from Chardonnay grown in five villages of the Côte des Blancs in Champagne, an area renowned for its deep chalky soils, which lend finesse and tension to the wines. The blend brings together Vertus, classified Premier Cru, as well as Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Chouilly, all four classified Grand Cru. Chouilly makes its first appearance in the cuvée here, replacing Cramant, which was used in previous vintages.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage was marked by contrasting weather conditions, but ones that were particularly favourable to the Côte des Blancs. The alternation of warm and cooler phases allowed the Chardonnay to reach balanced ripeness, combining harmonious alcohol levels and acidity, conducive to a precise, mineral expression.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes from the five selected villages are vinified separately before being blended to create Blanc des Millénaires 2017. The blend is then aged in bottle for seven years in the House's ancient chalk cellars, an environment with stable temperature and humidity that promotes the slow development of texture and aromas.

Grape variety

This Champagne is made from 100% Chardonnay.