Charles Heidsieck : Champagne Charlie Collection Crayères 1982

The freshness and balance of a vintage champagne from the Œnothèque of the Charles Heidsieck House

The producer

An essential reference for great Champagne wines, the Charles Heidsieck House is preserving a prestigious heritage with two-thousand-year-old chalk pits. The pioneering Charles Heidsieck began to distinguish itself from the end of the 1980s through showcasing its multi-vintage Brut champagne’s exceptional capacity for aromatic evolution. In 1987, Charles Heidsieck was the first Champagne house to indicate its “cellaring” year to follow the evolution of the wine over time.

The vineyard

The Charles Heidsieck Champagne House owns a vineyard of around 60 hectares in Marne and Aube. This vineyard has received sustainable viticulture and High Environmental Value certifications. In addition to its own vineyard and through following the Champagne model, Charles Heidsieck supplements its vineyard with long-term supply contracts with rigorously selected wine-growers and cooperatives.

The wine

Through this 2022 edition of its "Collection Crayères", Charles Heidsieck opens its Œnothèque for the 6th time and unveils an exceptional cuvée: the 1982 Charlie champagne.

A tribute to the founder of this illustrious house, Charlie 1982 is the fruit of an exceptional vintage, giving rise to wines whose finesse, balance and refinement testify to the utter excellence of fine champagnes. This cuvée, bottled in 1983, is available exclusively in a magnum format.

The blend

Pinot Noir (53%)
Chardonnay (47%)

Charlie Collection Crayeres 1982: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour
An intense golden hue, the colour is sustained by a lively and delicate effervescence.

Nose
The first nose reveals refreshing fruity fragrances (mirabelle plum, cooked apricot) and greedy notes of candied citrus fruit (grapefruit, ginger). When aerated, the bouquet becomes more complex with notes of honey plants and toasted aromas.

Palate
The lively and fresh palate exudes an alluring minerality and creamy texture. The finish is persistent and harmoniously blends balance and smoothness.

Food and wine pairing

With its rich aromas and texture, this vintage champagne will pair with abalone served with parsley or cheese (Morbier, 18-month-old Salers, Saint-Nectaire, Stilton).