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.
