New York, NY, May 7, 2018 – Champagne Charles Heidsieck, one of the most respected and rewarded Champagne houses based in Reims, France, is proud to announce the US market launch of the Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004 (SRP $250.00), the first vintage blanc de blancs released since 1995. Continuing the House’s dedication to NV champagne, Charles Heidsieck has also introduced the Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV (SRP $96.00). Both wines are imported through Folio Fine Wine Partners and will be available nationwide in limited quantities, importing approximately 360 3-bottle cases of Blanc des Millénaires 2004 and 180 6-bottle cases of NV Blanc de Blancs.
The Blanc des Millénaires 2004 is comprised of 100% Chardonnay, blended by five major crus from the Côte des Blancs: Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Cramant and Vertus. Charles Heidsieck’s Chef de Caves, Cyril Brun comments, “The 2004 version already offers the beautiful color, long finish and silky texture so characteristic Charles Heidsieck cuvées. Only a sharp assembly and a development of the highest quality can pass the test of fourteen years.”
The fifth edition of this wine underscores Charles Heidsieck’s long tradition in the development of Blanc de Blancs, dating back to the House’s first 100% Chardonnay vintage produced in 1947. Charles Heidsieck released its first vintage of Blanc des Millénaires, a sharper and concise blend, in 1993 with the 1983 vintage. Since then, the House has only unveiled four vintages of this wine: 1985, 1990, 1995 and finally now 2004.
Champagne Charles Heidsieck has maintained a strong dedication to producing distinctive NV champagnes. Blanc de Blancs NV had been produced in the 1970s but had been discontinued, to bring focus to vintage Blanc de Blancs. Today, Champagne Charles Heidsieck returns to NV Blanc de Blancs production with the addition of the Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV. A blend of 75% wines produced from the harvest of 2012 (100% Chardonnay) and 25% reserves that have been aged, on average, for 5 years, the Blanc de Blancs NV is combined by several crus, the majority from Côte des Blancs (Oger, Vertus), and Villers-Marmery, Trépail, Vaudemange and Montgueux.
“This very bold endeavour reveals a completely new side to the House style,” Brun comments. “The blending has delivered a successful variation in the House’s range, and unveils the unexpected consistency of a great Blanc de Blancs. An ageing process over four years in the House’s chalk cellars adds yet another dimension.”
About Champagne Charles Heidsieck – www.charlesheidsieck.com
Champagne Charles Heidsieck is one of the most respected Champagne houses in France. Founded in 1851, Champagne Charles Heidsieck is among the few prestige brands carrying the Grandes Marques distinction, and the first producer to bring Champagne to the United States. Charles Heidsieck champagnes offer a unique blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, combined with 40 percent of Charles Heidsieck reserve wines, aged for an average of 10 years. Each bottle matures in chalk cellars for 5 to 15 years. This maturation time is essential for the development of the aromatic complexity and refined quality, typical of Charles Heidsieck champagnes. Acclaimed Internationally, Champagne Charles Heidsieck has been named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year thirteen times at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and awarded 11 Grand Or medals, 32 Trophies and 101 Gold medals (37 between 2008 and 2011) during its illustrious history.
About Folio Fine Wine Partners – www.foliowine.com
Folio Fine Wine Partners was founded in 2004 by Michael Mondavi and his wife, Isabel, with their children, Dina and Rob Jr. Folio is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world’s premiere and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, and Austria. Wines from California include Animo, Emblem, Hangtime, Isabel Mondavi, M by Michael Mondavi, Oberon and Spellbound. From Italy are the wines of Bibi Graetz, Bruno Giacosa, Coppo, Donnafugata, Ricasoli, and Villa Sandi. The Spanish portfolio includes Condado de Haza, Dejesa La Granja, El Vinculo, Fillaboa, Palacios Remondo, Tinto Pesquera, and Vall Llach. From Argentina are the wines of Ben Marco, Crios, Nosotros and Susana Balbo, with Charles Heidsieck, Domaine Les Cailloux and Andre Brunel (France), and Laurenz V (Austria) completing the portfolio.
About Colangelo & Partners – http://www.colangelopr.com/
Colangelo & Partners is a midtown Manhattan-based public relations and integrated communications agency specializing in food, wine and spirits. Boasting long established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry’s leading brands, Colangelo & Partners continually creates unique storylines that are consistent with our clients’ brand strategies in order to provide a steady stream of compelling content to journalists and keep them in the news. A Finalist in the prestigious 2013 PR News ‘A List Awards’ in the integrated communications category, Colangelo & Partners utilizes social media, web marketing, advertising, events and promotions to build campaigns that establish brand strength and drive sales.
