# Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé 2012 (2012)

- **Producer:** Charles Heidsieck
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €122
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, pear, apple, lemon, biscuit, brioche, pastry, almond, hazelnut, honey

## About this wine

The Charles Heidsieck Vintage 2012 is a Brut Champagne from the Champagne AOC in France. Produced by Charles Heidsieck, the house founded in 1851 by Charles Camille Heidsieck, it is known for its focus on blending and aging. The 2012 vintage is composed of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, sourced from ten Grand Crus and Premier Crus. This vintage is notable for its resilience, having been produced from grapes that overcame a challenging growing season, leading to a late harvest of high-quality fruit. The wine's unique character is also shaped by its extended aging in the house's ancient chalk cellars, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes sourced from ten meticulously selected Grand Crus and Premier Crus.
- Aged for eight years in ancient chalk cellars, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The 2012 vintage is described as 'bottled optimism' due to the challenging growing season.
- Production volume was approximately 80,000 bottles.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and structure cut through richer, fattier dishes, while its complexity and subtle notes complement the nuanced flavors of smoked ingredients and roasted meats. The saline finish of the Champagne also harmonizes with savory elements.

## Wine making process

The Charles Heidsieck Vintage 2012 is produced using grapes from meticulously selected Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel vats. A key aspect of its production is the extended aging process, with a minimum of six to ten years on lees, followed by eight years of maturation in the house's ancient chalk cellars. The 2012 vintage was characterized by a late harvest, a result of challenging weather conditions during the growing season that ultimately yielded grapes of exceptional quality. The dosage for this Brut Champagne is 8 grams per liter.