Founded just before the French Revolution in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck, Heidsieck & Co Monopole is the original Heidsieck House and the 4th oldest Champagne house in the region. Delicate nose that opens with a scent of stewed yellow fruits (apricot, quince), enhanced by light notes of acacia and honey. Very long and fresh on the palate with notes of ripe fruit and candied lemon, embellished with slightly buttered pastry notes.

Disgorged November 2022. Les Longues Voyes translates as ‘the long way’, referring not only to the 25 kilometres that you need to travel from the Laherte estate to arrive at the vineyard but also to the wine’s extended aging: 18 months in barrel and a further 18-20 months in bottle. The fruit is sourced from a single hectare of biodynamic vines in Chamery, Montagne de Reims, owned by a good friend of Aurélien Laherte’s. The 35-year-old vines are rooted in clay and silt over a limestone base. The wine was made from a single four-tonne press of grapes, which fermented naturally and matured in old Clos des Epeneaux and Leroux barrels. There was no malolactic conversion, and the dosage was 4 g/L. So, the estate now has two vintage Blanc de Noirs released at the same time: Les Vignes d’Autrefois from Meunier and Les Longues Voyes from Pinot Noir. The first comes from a chalky subsoil and the second from limestone, and it is fascinating to compare the different structures that result. Fans of Pinot Noir on limestone should move to the front of the queue.

Founded just before the French Revolution in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck, Heidsieck & Co Monopole is the original Heidsieck House and the 4th oldest Champagne house in the region. The nose is floral with subtle hints of violet, followed by fruity aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry. Very fine and elegant on the palate, with a delightful freshness with a refreshingly tart finish.

It’s a stunning, racy example of Avize, a little deeper than the Terre de Vertus, although more delicate and less fleshy than the Vieille Vigne du Levant.

On the nose, it is autumnal and warm, with surprising aromas of praline and lightly toasted hazelnuts. On the palate, its incredible balance offers a firmness to be expected from great Champagne. The Charles Heidsieck Vintage 2005 is a wine of distinct character, from an exceptional vintage.