Piper-Heidsieck, Essentiel Extra Brut

Founded nearly 240 years ago by Florens-Louis Heidsieck, Piper-Heidsieck’s historical success has been shaped by a forward-thinking, pioneering spirit which continues today.

An early willingness to ‘twist the script’ on marketing conventions has led to Piper-Heidsieck’s longstanding relationship with the world of Cinema. They were the first Champagne House to feature on film, in Laurel and Hardy’s 1933 ‘Son’s of the Desert’, and became a firm favourite of Old Hollywood’s elite; Fred Astaire, Ava Gardner, Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe being enthusiastic fans. Their dedication to innovation also extends to their long-term sustainability commitments. In 2022, Piper-Heidsieck was one of the first Champagne House to achieve B Corp Certification, illustrating an ongoing commitment to sustainability and improving both their social and environmental impact on the planet. In a similar vein, they also joined the International Wineries for Climate Action and invested in Vitibot, an innovative robotics business producing electric vineyard machinery that limits soil compaction and facilitates herbicide-free farming.

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

Piper-Heidsieck’s ‘Essentiel’ range is made in limited quantities and 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 Extra Brut, 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 1er 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.