Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve NV
*Grape Varietals: 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay & 25% Pinot Meunier
Winery & Cellars: Reims - France
Chef de Cave: Cyril Brun - *(since May 2015)
4 Stars ★★★★
The house of Charles Heidsieck is highly respected by ‘those in the know’ - producing some of the most complex of Champagnes. Cyril Brun will have been ‘chef de cave’ 4 years this May - and has quickly developed a reputation and respect for his wines, having a relentless attention to quality. The base wine is made from a selection of the best vineyards in the region. Charles Heidsieck benefit from the largest collection of reserve wines in Champagne.
They have exceptional relationships with experienced growers across the region and can draw on a rich palette of crus - from 60 specific sites across the region, such as Riceys, Ambonnay and Aÿ. This Rosé gets is colour and lifted personality from a small addition of still red wine before secondary fermentation. Optimal maturation and prolonged contact on lees has revealed the full complexity of this cuvée and resulting in structured elegance. This cuvée was aged for a minimum of 4 years then after disgorgement, it was rested for another 3 to 6 months before being labeled and ready for shipping.
The Rosé Réserve NV is the result of meticulous attention, resulting in a generous character and rewarding experience. They define complexity with 80% of the year’s wine composed of equal components of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. And the 20% of reserve wine being made up of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. Each are vinified cru by cru, varietal by varietal, in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.
Precision craftsmanship was required to ensure the ideal balance of freshness and elegance with structure and complexity. Cyril respects the house principles, carefully selecting reserve wines that are younger than those of the Brut Réserve. The palate has more generosity than the colour alludes, with 5 - 6% of the wine vinified into red wine providing delicate tannins and an engaging fragrance of red fruits, a base upon which Cyril has masterfully developed a broad flavour profile, and a luscious rosé.
★ In the glass you will be greeted by an alluring pink colour with luminous glints throughout its core. Effortlessly carried by a steady stream of vivacious bubbles, the result of an ageing period of over 4 years. The nose along with the judicious colour is subtle, though does eloquently reveal 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.
These all join forces on the generous palate showcasing with defined precision timely flavours 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.
This Charles Heidsieck Rosé Reserve NV has 12% Alc./vol. and a dosage of 11g/L of sugar. Chill gently and serve in an aromatic wine glass at 9°- 10°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly on release; plus, will hold its character and reward for another 3 - 4 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with sashimi, salmon fillets and tuna steaks, prawn dumplings, Thai spring-rolls, tempura vegetables - along with strawberry cheesecake - enjoy.
