Piper-Heidsieck, Essentiel Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Vintage: NV
Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
NV | PH103BNV | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
NV | PH103GNV | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
NV | PH103MNV | 3 x 150 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
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.
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 the Les Riceys, in the south of the Côte des Bar. This addition, alongside 25% reserve wine, gives the final blend impressive structure and intensity without sacrificing refinement. The ‘Rosé Sauvage’ eschews the trend for water-pale rosé and delivers plenty of concentration and personality.
Piper-Heidsieck’s ‘Essentiel’ range is made in highly limited quantities and is produced exclusively for independent merchants and the on-trade. 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 (six grams per litre) and extended lees ageing (at least three years) results in elegant wines with notable ageing potential.
Piper-Heidsieck’s Vintage 2014 comprises a blend of 45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir, sourced primarily from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, aged for a minimum of five years on its lees. Defined by outstanding freshness it is fragrant and fruit-driven, with notes of lemon and citrus fruits lifted by exotic notes of orange blossom, liquorice and lime zest. 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.
Vineyards
The vineyards are located in Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Aube and Vallée de la Marne.
Vinification
First fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. Once complete, the wines were racked and underwent full malolactic fermentation. After blending, in which 35% reserve wines were used, the wine was bottled with selected yeasts added. The wine was kept on lees for 40 months before disgorgement, where a dosage of 4g/l was added.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This wine has glittering green glints and a delicate effervescence in the glass. On the nose, there are aromas of zesty lemon, limestone and fresh brioche. On the palate, there are notes of raisins, mirabelle plums, pears and a peppery touch. It is a full-bodied style with an entrancing mid-palate.
Alcohol (ABV)
12%
Acidity
6.3 g/l
Residual Sugar
4 g/l
pH
3.1
Awards
Silver
International Wine Challenge 2022
Silver
Decanter World Wine Awards 2022
Silver Medal
Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
Gold
International Wine Challenge 2021
Silver
International Wine & Spirit Competition
Silver
International Wine Challenge 2020
Gold
International Wine Challenge 2019
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Piper-Heidsieck | Cuvée Brut | PH101 | SpW | Factsheet | |
Essentiel Extra Brut | PH102 | SpW | Factsheet | ||
Rosé Sauvage | PH104 | SpRo | Factsheet | ||
Essentiel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut | PH105 | SpW | |||
Cuvée Sublime Demi-Sec (Gift Box) | PH106 | SpW | Factsheet | ||
Vintage | PH107 | SpW | |||
Cuvée Brut `Luminous` | PH108 | SpW | |||
Cuvée Brut Prohibition Gift Box | PH113 | SpW | |||
Cuvée Brut Sparkly Gift Box | PH121 | SpW | |||
Hors-Série Vintage Brut | PH123 | SpW | Factsheet |