Elise Losfelt - Charles Heidsieck ‘chef de cave’: 12 Dec. 2023.
On the 1st of March of this year - Charles Heidsieck proudly announce Elise Losfelt as the new ‘Cellar Master’ for Charles Heidsieck Champagne taking over from Cyril Brun. My good friend Cyril was the ‘chef de cave’ for seven years, and he insightfully built upon the outstanding history of the House and will be remembered as one of the greatest chief winemakers, inscribing several significant pages in the House’s recent story. While ensuring the House has a strong base for growth and reverence around the globe. Charles Heidsieck cuvée's are as required fine-tuned and enhanced to ensure the House style. Cyril will be remembered well for many achievements, with one that stands out more recently, the successful release and blending of the ‘new’ Champagne Charlie, an iconic House cuvée that had its renaissance in 2022. Yes, I got to share a bottle with Cyril before its official release.
The handing-over of the baton, has been passed to a highly qualified individual in Elise Losfelt, who graduated from AgroParisTech with a master’s in wine and vine along with a diploma in oenology. Elise has made every moment count in her 36-years of age, devoting herself to Champagne for the past ten years working in various positions at Moët & Chandon. First in wine communications, and then as ‘Head of Winemaking.’ Elise has worked with cellar masters from Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Ruinart and Dom Pérignon. Developing her expertise as the guardian of the final quality at each key stage in the Champagne process, from harvest to disgorgement. Plus in her own genes, Elise continues a family winemaking tradition of six generations that brings with it great pride and passion.
The nurturing of these wines at Charles Heidsieck will come naturally to Elise, being married with three young children. Elise is the first to honour the history at Charles Heidsieck - stating: “I have enormous respect for the creativity and rigour of my predecessors and I hope to make a coherent contribution to the continuity of the House style. It is with humility and enthusiasm that I join with these passionate men and women to work together in forging the fate of this iconic House.” Elise Losfelt - 2023.
The following three wines are worth sharing with special friends and family this festive, holiday season. If your family forget, I promise your taste-buds will not and they will thank you at every sip.
*(These wines are available at fine wine establishments, and most importantly are ready to sip, savour and share this festive season).
Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV
Grape Varietals: 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay & 20% Pinot Meunier
Winery & Cellars: Reims - France
Chef de Cave: Elise Losfelt - *(since March 2023)
5 Stars ★★★★★
A most generous cuvée with a unique 60/50/10. 60 refers to the number of crus, a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier which are vinified individually. 50 refers to the incredibly high proportion of reserve wines, which ensures the complexity of their Brut Réserve. And last but not least the 10 refers to the average age of their reserve wines.
• Due to the reserve wines, this blend expresses a complex and voluptuous aroma of freshly baked brioche, ripe mango, apricots, a note of dried fruits, almond and walnuts. The textured palate showcases layers of nougat and pastry, filled with grilled peaches. The ageing combined with the reserve wines gives a lush generous character. And infused with ginger, coriander, praline and vanilla that carry through to the lingering finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C : 12% Alc. - Dosage of 9g/L : Cellar 6 - 8 years : *NZ$165.00
Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve NV
Grape Varietals: 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay & 25% Pinot Meunier
Winery & Cellars: Reims - France
Chef de Cave: Elise Losfelt - *(since March 2023)
5 Stars ★★★★★
The Rosé Réserve NV is the result of meticulous attention, with 75% of the year’s wine composed of equal components of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. And the 25% of reserve wine being made up of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. This cuvée was aged for a minimum of 4 years before disgorgement.
• The nose eloquently reveals aromas of home-made strawberry jam tarts with wild red berries, cherries, ripe blood peaches, and a subtle note of shortbread with a dusting of cinnamon. The generous palate showcasing defined precision, bursting with strawberries, raspberries, cherries, wild flowers and subtle hints of allspice and a bright seam of acidity keeping any of these vibrant characters from falling short of the bright and refreshing finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 9°- 10°C : 12% Alc. - Dosage of 8g/L : Cellar 4 - 5 years : *NZ$185.00
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV
Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Winery & Cellars: Reims - France
Chef de Cave: Elise Losfelt - *(since March 2023)
5 Stars ★★★★★
Composed of 70% Chardonnay from a single vintage and 30% reserve wines with an average age of 5 years, with some over 10 years. Crafted primarily from crus in Côte des Blancs (Oger & Vertus) - and then complemented by crus in Villers-Marmery, Trépail, Vaudemange, and Montgueux. This cuvée was then aged for more nearly 5 years on lees.
• Inviting aromas of white peaches and tangerine tones, honeysuckle and fresh hazelnuts, followed by lifted citrus notes. Once on your palate your taste-buds are awash with a symphony’s chorus: the engagement on all your senses is focused and forthright, unconventionally debonaire for a Blanc de Blancs. Fresh, pure and elegantly textural with well-balanced peach, apple, grapefruit flavours, along with a harmonious crescendo finish.
• Chill gently & serve between 8°- 10°C : 12% Alc. - Dosage of 8g/L : Cellar 5 - 6 years : *NZ$180.00
*(Charles Heidsieck Champagne availability & pricing will vary by outlet & country)