Everything would have been different for Piper-Heidsieck—the renowned Champagne label—without the influence of the extraordinary Florens Louis Heidsieck.

The son of a Lutheran minister from Westphalia, Heidsieck moved to Reims—the largest city in the Champagne region—to trade in the fabrics and textile industries. However, he fell in love with the world of wine, which was already the region’s most dynamic economic engine.

Around 1780, he started producing his own wine, and by 1785–after investing fortune and effort–he was able to establish his own label.

After his death, his nephew Christian Heidsieck continued to lead the company with the help of Henri Guillaume Piper, who had a great talent for trade. The delicate sparkling wines they produced were exported to fourteen royal houses.

In October 1838, Christian Heidsieck‘s widow married Henri Guillaume Piper, and that was the genesis of the famous label. Piper’s and Heidsieck’s surnames were united forever and became synonymous with one of the most select and coveted champagnes in the world.

Currently Regis Camus, chief enologist at Piper-Heidsieck, has created a striking range of champagnes that masterfully combine the grapes traditionally used to make Champagne: chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, achieving a distinctive style in each of them:

Cuvée Brut

With an intense golden color, highlights its delicate and fine bubbles resulting from its long maturation. The aromas reveal the prevalence of pear and apple with citrus touches and a finish of fresh grapes with notes of star anise. In the mouth it reveals citrus and grapefruit flavors. It is a wine with great fruit and harmonious balance.

Cuvée Sublime

It has a coppery tone, excellent structure and good quality bubbles. Closer to the nose it reveals aromas of ripe and juicy fruit with hints of French pastries, caramel and vanilla. In the mouth the taste of candied citrus and pineapple with cinnamon and pear are delightfully combined.

Rosé Sauvage

Of effervescent bubbles and scarlet color, it surprises with its aromas of mandarins and blood oranges with a hint of paprika and saffron. On the palate it is fresh, with hints of black cherries, blackberries, pink grapefruits and citrus notes. It is a fine and elegant young champagne to enjoy on any occasion.

2006 Vintage Brut

With a light yellow color with green flashes, it has good bubbles, aromas of dried apricots, hints of red and black fruits (raspberry and blackberry) and a touch of spice. On the palate it is dense and creamy, revealing flavors of candied orange, tea and toasted almonds. With a very long finish, this champagne is elegant, intense and seductive.

Rare Millessime 2002

With a golden tone and fine effervescence, it has aromas of exotic fruits such as mango and kiwi, along with hazelnuts, figs, white pepper, tea and cocoa. On the palate it denotes its depth and harmony and the taste is voluptuous with meringue notes, mint, pineapple and candied ginger. A wonderful example of what a good Millessime should be. ■