Tastings, winery:
12 Allée du Vignoble, Reims, Grand Est, FranceExperimental phase: initial rating derived from official awards and critic reviews
James Suckling - 93 points
2024
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve is a Champagne that perfectly unites finesse, structure, and delicate fruitiness, representing a harmonious balance between the house's timeless tradition and modern elegance. Each sip reveals a carefully crafted blend of 40% Pinot Noir (including 5–6% red wine), 35% Chardonnay, and 25% Meunier, enriched with 20% reserve wines that add depth and complexity.
In the glass, it captivates with a soft rose-petal hue and shimmering reflections of wild rose, accompanied by fine, lively bubbles—an expression of its extended aging of over four years in chalk cellars. On the nose, it offers subtle yet rich aromas of strawberry jam, ripe vineyard peach, and a touch of gingerbread.
The palate is full, velvety, and well-rounded, with expressive notes of red berries—raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries—flowing into a long, refreshing finish. This cuvée is not only an elegant aperitif but also an exceptional companion to light bites, sushi, burrata, cured meats, or even dishes with delicately spiced fruit elements.
Charles Heidsieck is a prestigious Champagne house founded in 1851 in Reims, France, by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, famously known as “Champagne Charlie.” He was a pioneer in popularizing Champagne in the United States during the 19th century, earning a strong reputation thanks to his entrepreneurial spirit and charisma.
The house is renowned for its historic cellars, known as “crayères” — ancient chalk caves dating back to Roman times — which provide ideal conditions for aging Champagne. These cellars are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Throughout its history, Charles Heidsieck has earned acclaim from numerous royal and imperial families, a testament to the exceptional quality of its wines.