Who makes it
Charles Heidsieck founded the house at age 29. It is based in Reims, and its cellars are old chalk quarries called crayères, acquired to create conditions for wine maturation. The house has belonged to the EPI group since 2011.
The range includes Brut Réserve and Blanc des Millénaires. The first draws on many crus, while the second is made entirely from Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs.
Where it grows
The maison is based in Reims, in the Champagne region of France. Its crayères are underground chalk cellars dating from Roman Gaul. Underground chalk provides dark, steady conditions for the slow maturation of sparkling wine.
The cellars are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List alongside other Champagne vineyards, houses and cellars.
What they make
Brut Réserve uses almost 60 different crus in its blend. In Champagne, a cru is a classified vineyard area, so this figure counts the vineyard sources assembled in one cuvée. A broad source base can help a house combine wines from several classified areas.
Blanc des Millénaires is 100% Chardonnay from five crus in the Côte des Blancs, with equal portions from each. Chardonnay in sparkling wine commonly brings citrus aromas and firm acidity, while the cuvée's single grape variety keeps its composition clear.