Collection: Charles Heidsieck

Charles Heidsieck is the answer you get when you ask someone who works in wine what they drink themselves. It is not as famous as the biggest houses, and that is precisely why it costs what it costs.

What makes it different

One decision: an unusually high proportion of reserve wines.

Every non-vintage champagne blends in some older wine held back from previous years. Most houses use a modest amount. Charles Heidsieck uses a great deal of it, and the reserves are old — averaging around a decade.

That is expensive, because it means holding stock for years instead of selling it. What you get for it is texture and depth: Brut Réserve tastes richer and rounder than almost anything at the same price, with a toasted, nutty character that usually only shows up in far more expensive bottles.

The range

Brut Réserve — the house's calling card, and one of the most consistently recommended non-vintage champagnes in the world. Enough substance for the table, not just the aperitif hour.

Rosé Réserve — the same approach applied to rosé.

Blanc de Blancs — 100% Chardonnay, and lighter, but still with the house's depth behind it.

Who it is for

Yourself, or someone who drinks champagne often — this is the value play in our champagne list. It over-delivers for the price.
A gift for someone who knows wine — it signals that you chose rather than defaulted.
A gift for someone who does not — honestly, no. Pick Veuve Clicquot or Ruinart instead. The name will not register, and with a gift that matters.