Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Champagne Cuvee Brut 750ml NV

The oldest of the three Heidsieck champagne houses, Piper-Heidsieck was founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck. Ambitious to make his mark, Florens-Louis created a cuvee which he dedicated and presented in person to Queen Marie-Antoinette, a patronage that one assumes was, at a certain point, abruptly severed.

Upon his death, nephew Christian Heidsieck went into partnership with Henri-Guillaume Piper, an energetic entrepreneur who did much to champion champagne throughout the world. Christian died suddenly, his widow married Henri-Guillaume and the company became known as Piper-Heidsieck.

Today, Piper-Heidsieck has established itself as one of champagne’s most consistent and reliable expressions. In 2011, the prestigious FINE Champagne magazine awarded the Piper-Heidsieck Rare first place in its Best 100 Champagnes list.

Under the astute direction of Head Winemaker Regis Camus, Piper-Heidsieck’s crisply fresh and radiantly vivacious expressions have ascended, in both quality and stature, to a very high level of excellence.

Tasting Note: The nose is reminiscent of a bright, fresh morning during early Spring. Notes of citrus fruits, Granny Smith apple and subtle hints of warm toastiness follow spring blossoms such as hawthorn. The palate is lively and fresh, with more mature notes of pineapple, nutmeg, white pepper and oriental zest.