Charles Heidsieck : Vintage Rosé 2012

The richness and refinement of a vintage rosé champagne

The estate

The Charles Heidsieck Champagne House is a major reference, overseeing prestigious heritage land with two thousand-year-old chalk pits. A pioneer, Charles Heidsieck distinguished itself at the end of the 1980s by highlighting the exceptional aromatic evolution of its multi-vintage Brut Champagne. In 1987, Charles Heidsieck was the first Champagne house to show the "mise en cave" year, in order to follow the evolution of the wine over time.

The vineyard

The Charles Heidsieck Champagne House owns a vineyard of about 60 hectares in the Marne and Aube regions. This vineyard has been certified as a sustainable winegrowing area and has been awarded the High Environmental Value certification. In addition to its own vineyard and following the Champagne model, Charles Heidsieck is also furnished with long-term supply contracts with meticulously selected winegrowers and cooperatives in Champagne.

The wine

The Rosé Millésimé 2012 from Charles Heidsieck is made from 11 Grand and Premier Crus (Oger, Vertus, Chouilly, Cuis, Verzy, Aÿ, Ludes, Ambonnay, Tauxières, Avenay, Les Riceys). This Brut Champagne is dosed at 9g/l.

The vintage

2012 was a year marked by significant instability in Champagne. Yields were reduced by 30% due to spring conditions combining mildew, heavy rainfall, hail, but also a cool spell during flowering followed by heat peaks and high water stress. The summer, hot and sunny in August, favoured a gradual ripening of the grapes which, harvested later than in previous years, were particularly healthy and rich.                    

Blend

Pinot Noir (62% including 9% red wine)
Chardonnay (38%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Rosé Millésimé 2012 from Charles Heidsieck

Tasting

Colour
The colour is a beautiful coppery hue, adorned with orange highlights.

Nose
Opening on fruity, toasted and smoky scents, the nose upon aeration releases more complex notes, evoking pomegranate, sloe, quince, fresh almonds and blueberries.

Palate
A frank and refreshing attack gives way to an expressive palate. Quince, white pepper and vine peach make up the scents that mingle harmoniously with a tannic structure and a finish with a silky feel.

Food and wine pairing

Glazed duck, hare à la royale, salmon gravlax, smoked haddock carpaccio and cheeses (livarot, aged mimolette) are refined pairings for this Rosé Millésimé 2012 from Charles Heidsieck.

Storage

This vintage champagne can be laid down until around 2033 due to its structure and finesse.