We are delighted to announce this years wines that will be served at the four annual dinners.
Charles Heidseick is this years Presidential House, with Bollinger as the Outgoing House and Veuve Clicquot as the Incoming House.
Charles Heidsieck Millésime 2012 ‘Concours of Elegance Edition’ en magnum
A VINTAGE SUITED FOR LONG AGEING
The year 2012 made news. Not often does so chaotic and challenging a vintage provide wines with such incredible balance,
concentration and harmony. Today the 2012 vintage has found its place amongst the great Champagne years.
Notes by Cyril Brun,
Cellar Master for Charles Heidsieck
THE YEAR 2012 IN CHAMPAGNE
Harmony reigns despite trying weather conditions
Some people will not hesitate to compare this vintage to spectacular years like 1990 or 1996, and yet the success of the resulting wines might be considered something of a miracle given the challenges of the year.
Nature had us fearing the worst in 2012 when it unleashed a range of climate catastrophes on the vineyards.
The spring brought violent attacks of mildew, torrential rains, hailstorms, cold snaps during flowering, followed by heat and water stress that drove yield down by 30%. But a beautiful, sunny summer enabled slow maturing and good concentration in the grapes, resulting in a late harvest. The grapes proved to be of excellent quality: rich in sugar and with good acidity.
2012 FOR CHARLES HEIDSIECK
2012 was an obvious choice for a Charles Heidsieck to declare as a vintage. After the phenomenal 2008 vintage, which required ageing to show its full potential, 2012 provides
a beautiful contrast as a very classic and elegant vintage. Comprising ten meticulously selected Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, this cuvée is enticing for its pleasant smoothness,
aromatic intensity and the saline freshness that is so typical of the House. Its elegance and depth make it ideal for enjoying and pairing with the most sophisticated dishes.
Perfectly suited for further ageing.
APPEARANCE
The 2012 vintage is a beautiful pale golden yellow; with fine bubbles that are both delicate and dynamic.
ON THE NOSE
Initially, the nose shows subtle toasted and smoked notes with a touch of liquorice and earthy tones. When swirled in the glass, fruity notes of apricot, blackthorn, quince, blueberry and fresh almonds add an extra dimension to the wine. this incredible aromatic concentration, very typical of the year, is the focus of the wine’s merit.
ON THE PALATE
Mineral and taut with excellent freshness, with notes of quince, vanilla and vineyard
peaches on the mid-palate, followed by a firm, crisp finish.
An excellent pairing with smoked dishes such as smoked eel, smoked Scamorza, and roast chicken with chicory sauce.
A lovely vintage which will continue to develop great complexity and generosity over time.
BLEND 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
COMPOSITION 10 Grands and Premiers Crus:
Oger, Vertus, Chouilly, Cuis, Verzy, Aÿ, Ludes, Ambonnay, Tauxières,
AGEING Minimum 6 years on the lees
DOSAGE 8g/l
TO BE ENJOYED Within 10 years
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV
Complex and intriguing, Brut Réserve stands out for its elegance,
texture and long finish. Fifty percent of reserve wines lend depth and freshness
to this voluptuous wine, a signature of the Charles style.
Elise Losfet, Cellar Master
Charles Heidsieck have built exceptional relationships with the most experienced growers across the Champagne region, and can draw on a rich palette of crus. Precise selection of grapes takes place from 60 specific sites. Vineyards which are integral to producing grapes which build the house style are Oger for Chardonnay for its texture, floral notes and ageing ability, Ambonnay for Pinot Noir for its power, vinosity and fruit, and Verneuil for Pinot Meunier for its acidity, body and aromatics.
Whereas the Appellation stipulates a minimum 15-month ageing period, Charles Heidsieck ages its non-vintage Champagnes for at least three years. Stored in a maze of forty-seven chalk cellars, they lie in galleries twenty metres underground where the temperature remains a constant 10%. A peaceful haven, ideal for ageing gracefully. Since 1990, its non-vintage bottles have displayed the dates both of their cellaring and disgorgement.
APPEARANCE
The Brut Reserve NV is a radiant pale gold colour with fine, persistent bubbles
ON THE NOSE
The nose is characterised by complex pastry aromas, with an opulent combination of ripe apricot, mango and greengages, dried fruits, pistachio and almond
ON THE PALATE
The palate begins with a silky-smooth sensation, developing into ripe fleshy apricot, melon and enticing plum pastry notes and delicate spice. There is perfect balance of freshness and generosity
BLEND 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier
COMPOSITION A selection of 60+ crus (less than 20 % of the champagne crus) up to 150 base wines
AGEING A slow and long maturation of 3 to 4 years
DOSAGE 9 g/l
Bollinger PN AYC18
A unique vision of Pinot Noir by Champagne Bollinger.
Pinot Noir is one of the key pillars of the Bollinger style and the Maison has built its reputation by showcasing this variety. The PN cuvée is the result of research into the different styles of Pinot Noir and its different origins in Champagne. PN is a continuation of the Maison’s heritage and an affirmation of the legendary Bollinger style, while also being a wine that reinvents itself year after year. In this way, each new edition offers a new interpretation of Maison Bollinger’s vineyards and savoir-faire.
PN AYC18 is designed to be shared between wine enthusiasts looking for different expressions of Pinot Noir from Champagne.
We recommend you serve PN AYC18 between 10 and 11°C to highlight its unique style and aromas. You can enjoy this wine right away or keep it in the cellar for further ageing.
APPEARANCE
Golden with bronze reflections
ON THE NOSE
Notes of honey, fruit jellies , quince and candied citrus. Aromas of marzipan and blood orange complement a nose full of sweet spices and a refreshing hint of menthol
ON THE PALATE
Serious , understated and rich, beautifully expansive with a finish full of confit citrus which enhances the wine’s freshness.
FOOD PAIRING RECOMENDATIONS
Scallop Carpaccio with citrus
Duck à l’orange
Quince and almond tart
VC Extra Brut Extra Old 4
Veuve Clicquot presents the fourth edition of its Extra Brut Extra Old.
Expressing the ultimate creativity of our Cellar Master, Extra Brut Extra Old is a unique collection crafted exclusively from our reserve wine collection, one of the largest recorded in Champagne.
The 4th edition of Extra Brut Extra Old is a unique blend of six of Veuve Clicquot’s most prestigious reserve wines: 1996, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Just like the creation of a perfume, the essence of such mature or, as called, “spices” reserve wines will bring concentration and depth to the blend.
The wines are aged in bottle in Maison’s crayères for a minimum of three years before disgorgement, giving it texture and aromatic complexity. This blend requires a low dosage of 3 grams of sugar per litre.
The Precision, energy and balance of Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old 4 will be best appreciated with balanced and fresh cuisine, from raw vegetables to tartares and seafood.
APPEARANCE
Light with bronze
ON THE NOSE
Tilia, honeysuckle, green tea, citrus fruits (grapefruit, lemon)
ON THE PALATE
Ginger, bread dough, saline, mineral
FOOD PAIRING RECOMENDATIONS
Purity and freshness (raw vegetables, refined cuisine, tartars, ceviche)
Salinity and energy (umami, citrus peel, products from the sea)
Finesse and precision (silky texture, delicate pairings)