Champagne Charles Heidsieck, one of the most respected and rewarded Champagne houses, based in Reims, France, is proud to announce the release of the Charles Heidsieck Rosé Millésime 2006 (SRP: $150), the new vintage rosé release by the House, following the legendary and multi-awarded 1999 Rosé. The wine is imported through Folio Fine Wine Partners and is available nationwide in limited quantities, with approximately 250 6-bottle cases imported.
A blend of 15 crus from the Montagne de Reims and Cote des Blancs, the 2006 is a blend of 63% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay and 8% still red (Pinot Noir). For only the second time in the history of Charles Heidsieck, the House decided to disgorge the Rosé Millésime 2006 before the next scheduled vintage rosé: the 2005. This truly wine oriented decision – the last one made by Thierry Roset, previous and long standing Chef de Caves, before he passed away in October 2014 – was driven by the 2006 achieving its potential, aging on lees, before the 2005. Charles Heidsieck’s new Chef de Caves, Cyril Brun comments, “As a House driven by quality, we had to listen to the wine and believe the 2005 will benefit from more time.”
As the Rosé Champagne category has increased to 10% of total Champagne sales, the House is eager to make an impact with the 2006 vintage, as well as the mainstay Charles Heidsieck NV Brut Rosé Reserve (SRP $80). Brun comments, “The 2006 offers a prestige option in the Rosé Champagne category as a bottle that can still be put away in the cellar. The NV Brut Rosé Reserve is a lighter, more playful version from the House that would pair well with a variety of foods and occasions, like the coming Valentine’s Day for example.”
