Piper-Heidsieck, Essentiel Extra Brut

Piper-Heidsieck was founded nearly 240 years ago in 1785 and has enjoyed a fascinating, star-studded history ever since. They became the first Champagne House to feature on film in Laurel and Hardy’s 1933 ‘Sons of the Desert’ and were a firm favourite of Marilyn Monroe, who once famously stated: “I go to bed with a few drops of Chanel N° 5, and I wake up each morning to a glass of Piper-Heidsieck; it warms me up.”

Piper-Heidsieck’s historical success has been shaped by a forward-thinking, pioneering spirit which continues today. In 2022, Piper-Heidsieck was one of the first Grand Marques, alongside Charles Heidsieck, to achieve B-Corp Certification, illustrating an ongoing commitment to improving both their social and environmental impact on the planet. In a similar vein, they also joined the International Wineries for Climate Action. Concurrently, the quality of Piper-Heidsieck’s wines has never been finer, leading them to become the most-awarded Champagne House of the last Century. Their chief winemaker, Émilien Boutillat, is one of the youngest in Champagne’s history and has been driving standards even higher at Piper-Heidsieck since 2018. Émilien’s exceptional talents led him to be named ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ by the IWC in both 2023 and 2021 and shortlisted for 2024.

Piper-Heidsieck’s ‘Cuvée Brut’ is their house signature, made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier sourced from over 100 ‘crus’. The blend contains at least 30% reserve wines and is aged for a minimum of two years on its lees in Piper-Heidsieck’s cellars deep beneath Reims. It is elegant and balanced, punching well above its weight and representing remarkable quality and class.

The Rosé is a boldly gastronomic champagne made with 15% red wine from Les Riceys in the southern Côte des Bar. This addition, alongside 25% reserve wine, gives the final blend impressive structure and intensity without sacrificing refinement.

Piper-Heidsieck’s ‘Essentiel’ range is made in limited quantities and is reserved exclusively for independent merchants and the on-trade in the UK. The range includes an Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut and Blanc de Noirs, crafted from grapes specifically selected from around 50 ‘crus’ across Champagne. A combination of 30% reserve wine, low dosage (often six grams per litre) and extended lees ageing (at least three years) results in elegant wines with notable ageing potential.

Piper-Heidsieck’s Vintage 2018 comprises a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 47% Pinot Noir, and 3% Pinot Menier sourced primarily from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, aged for a minimum of four years on its lees. Defined by outstanding freshness, it is expressive and fruit-driven, with notes of nectarine and plums lifted by exotic notes of pineapple, paprika and raspberry. The ‘Cuvée Sublime’ is one of Champagne’s best-loved Demi-Secs. With a luscious dosage of 33 grams per litre and a bright bite of acidity, it shows exquisite balance and generosity, making an elegant partner for desserts or cheeses.