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Piper-Heidsieck (Piper-Heidsieck) – the famous French champagne, an indispensable attribute of the Cannes Film Festival. Elite wines of the company of the same name with their refined aroma and multifaceted bouquet are recognized by experts as a model of high style. The wine house is considered one of the most reputable in France. The brand’s product line includes about three dozen types of champagne, including vintage editions.
Historical information
The Piper-Heidsieck champagne house dates back to 1785. The foundation of the company was preceded by a beautiful love story of Florence-Louis Heidsieck for his fiancee Agatha Perthui. To win the heart of his beloved, the winemaker worked for eight years on champagne, which would not be ashamed to serve to the king. All these years, Florence-Louis traveled through the vineyards of Champagne and experimented with blends, until, finally, his champagne was on the table of Empress Marie Antoinette. In the same year, Heidsieck’s dreams of a happy family life came true – he got married.
A few years later, Henri-Guillaume Piper joined the company’s partners. He took over the functions of promoting the brand in Europe and beyond. Thanks to his efforts, by 1830, Piper-Heidsieck had become a supplier to more than a dozen royal families, including those in Thailand and China. In 1838, Florence-Louis died, and his widow married the partner of the deceased husband, Henri-Guillaume Piper.
In 1885, the house of champagne solemnly celebrated its centenary. By the anniversary date, a luxurious bottle was made, decorated with gold, diamonds and semi-precious stones. The famous master Carl Faberge worked on the precious item. This was the first experience of the company’s cooperation with jewelry firms, which later became a tradition.
In 1985, the company celebrated 200 years since its founding, and exactly the same bottle was again prepared for this date – this time the famous jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels worked on it. A few years later, Piper-Heidsieck became part of Rémy Cointreau, a well-known brandy producer. In 1995, the company moved to a new building with modern equipment. In 2011, the house of champagne was bought by the French company EPI, a manufacturer of luxury goods.
Production features
Harvesting in the vineyards takes place in September and October. Clusters are carefully placed in boxes, trying not to damage the tender berries, and immediately transported to the nearest press. The batches of squeezed juice are placed in wooden containers for 15-20 hours, during which time the seeds and skins sink to the bottom. The finished must goes to the winery.
Primary fermentation takes place in several stages in stainless steel vats. Throughout the fermentation, the masters take samples. Carefully selected young wine becomes the basis for blending: tirage liquor is added to the mixture, bottled and placed in cellars for maturation. The term is from 2 to 10 years, depending on the type of champagne. After aging, the sediment accumulated on the neck is removed and the wine is again left at rest for several months. Then the bottles are cleaned, dried, labeled and sent to stores.
Awards
Gold medals in recent years:
- Guide Bettane + Desseauve 2017;
- Wine Spectator 2017;
- International Wine Challenge 2017;
- World of Wine 2018
- Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2018, 2019;
- Brussels World Cup 2019.
Interesting Facts
- After the harvest, a celebration takes place, where the company’s management invites everyone who took part in the work. The event is called Cochelet and is accompanied by a gala dinner, where Potée champenoise is served on the table – a stew of pork, sausage, bacon and pieces of ham, cooked over low heat. The dish is usually washed down with champagne.
- In the world of cinema, the company first became known in 1933, when a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck appeared in the film Sons of the Desert. In the future, champagne became the favorite of a galaxy of Hollywood actors, including Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe.
Types of champagne Piper-Heidsieck
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut, 12%
The blend includes 100 wines from grapes harvested in different areas. The varieties used are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Dry champagne of golden color combines aromas of white flowers, ripe apples, pears and citrus fruits in a bouquet. On the palate, hints of grapefruit, mandarin, almond and spices are felt. Suitable with fish dishes, parmesan and hot chili peppers.
Piper-Heidsieck Wild Rose, 12%
Dominated in the blend of wines from dark-skinned Pinot Noir grapes, which gives the drink a rich pink color. The aroma contains all shades of red berries: blackberries, currants, cherries and strawberries. The multifaceted taste harmoniously combines fruit, citrus and spicy tones. The manufacturer advises to serve wine with grilled meat.
