The Piper Heidsieck Champagne Story
The Heidsieck name is very famous in Champagne, with several brands bearing a version of the name. The history dates back to 1785, when Florens-Louis Heidsieck, a German textile entrepreneur created the Champagne house. German businessmen crop up in Champagne a lot! With his death came his nephew Christian Heidsieck, who unfortunately then died unexpectedly leaving it to his widow. Widows are also instrumental in the story and development of the Champagne region - Veuve Clicquot and Pommery are two of the finest examples.
His other nephews, having gained experience in the business, carved out their own ventures, establishing Heidsieck Monopole and Charles Heidsieck.
His widow remarried Henri-Guillaume Piper in 1838, and thus the Piper-Heidsieck name was born. With this union, it soon became the official supplier to royal courts from the Habsburgs to China. Fast forward to the 1930s, where Piper Heidsieck was sold in vast quantities in secretive speakeasies, accounting for half of all Champagne sold in the US! It received endorsement from Marilyn Monroe and had a cameo in a Laurel and Hardy film. In 1942, Jean de Suarez d'Aulan and Yolande Kunkelmann owned the house. Jean died during the war, and his wife, a widower once again, took over during a pivotal time in world history. Later, on the Gemini IV mission, it was the Champagne the astronauts toasted with. Quite the legacy.
In more modern times, Piper Heidsieck lays claim to the invention of the gyropalettes which automate the riddling process and held a long stint as the official Champagne for Cannes film festival. In 1985, they hosted a bicenteneray banquet at Versailles. In 2018, they were joined by chief winemaker Emilien Boutillat, the youngest at the time, who is pushing the house ever forwards today.
Piper-Heidsieck is primarily a négociant house, which means they don't own much vineyard land but buy grapes in from growers with whom they have long established relationships and specifications in the quality of the grapes. But, with its bold and unmissable red label, it is a highly popular Champagne and rightly so.
The company was acquired by the multi-national group Remy Cointreau in 1990, bringing it into the same stable, as its relation Charles Heidsieck. The bold red label came into existence in 1997, when the brand owners were looking for a strong point of difference and an eye-catching presentation to help them compete more strongly in a very competitive market. It was sold to a French luxury goods company, EPI in 2011.
What Styles Of Wine Does Piper Heidsieck Make?
The Piper Heidsieck house style is bold, uncompromising, and rich, with blends dominated by Pinot Noir.
Piper Heidsieck Brut NV – with its distinctive red label, this is a full flavoured, bold Champagne, with lots of structure, and toasty richness. It’s made from 50% Pinot Noir, with 30% Pinot Meunier, and 20% of the softer, more delicate Chardonnay in the blend. This is the emblematic multi-vintage Champagne of the house, sourced from over 100 crus.
Piper Heidsieck Rose Sauvage NV – a striking Champagne, with a vibrant pink colour, once again produced from a blend dominated by Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay at 25% each. It is bolder and fuller than many Roses, with blood orange, wild strawberries and cranberries, lifted by subtle hints of toasted brioche.
Piper Heidsieck Brut Vintage – produced only in exceptional years, their vintage blend tends towards a more equal part Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with very little Meunier, to give it great ageing potential. Vintages vary, but you'll likely find nectarine, red berries, mocha and toasted almonds, on the nose followed by juicy raspberry and exotic pineapple extras on the palate, creating an intense yet refined expression.
Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Blancs – Made from 100% Chardonnay with a high 30% proportion of reserve wine, this is an ode to the grape indeed. Blooming with white flowers, lemon, lime and toasted bread, subtle minerality, vibrant citrus and a chalky texture, softened by a touch of acacia honey. A smooth, creamy mouthfeel reflects its extended aging process, leading to a pure, saline finish.
Piper Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Noirs – Made with 80% PInot Noir and 20% Meunier from 10 diverse crus, this is white Champagne made with black grapes at its best. It embodies the bold house style and takes it up a notch. Expect apricot, raspberry and blueberry. On the palate, discover the vibrant ?avors of clementines, hints of almonds and honey, all culminating in a re?ned mineral ?nish, smooth and lingering, with a delicate balance. Essentiel Blanc de Noirs brings together the historic Pinot Noir and the vibrant Meunier in a daringly delicate blend.
Rare Champagne Vintage – this house now operates independently from Piper-Heidsieck to maintain a super premium image, but it all started there. This is a very iconic Champagne with vivid, gourmet precision, spicy aromas, floral accents and tropical notes weave a seminal minerality. Such is their rigorous selection in making a truly great Champagne, in 40 years, they have made just 14 vintages. THis is truly Rare Champagne.