Charles Heidsieck : Millésimé Brut Collection Crayères 1985

Characteristics and tasting advice for the 1985 Millésimé Brut Collection Crayères by Charles Heidsieck

Tasting

Color
The wine displays a deep golden hue with fine, discreet bubbles.

Nose
In bottle, the nose reveals an aromatic complexity with ripe yellow fruits (mirabelle, damson), candied and dried fruits, as well as notes of chestnut, hazelnut and pastry, complemented by soft spices (ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon).
In magnum, it opens with aromas of yellow fruits and passion fruit, enhanced by candied citrus, fresh zest, toasted bread, sesame and a mineral freshness.

Palate
In bottle, the palate is lively and dynamic, supported by subtle salinity and a beautiful aromatic length.
In magnum, it is fine and elegant, with a silky texture, a menthol freshness and balanced roast notes.

Service and aging

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve this cuvée between 10°C and 12°C. Its aging potential is around 2030-2040.

A vintage Brut champagne imbued with aromatic purity and balance

The estate

As an emblematic house, Charles Heidsieck preserves a prestigious heritage within millenary chalk cellars. A pioneer, this house attracted attention as early as the late 1980s by showcasing the remarkable aromatic evolution of its multi-vintage Brut. In 1987, Charles Heidsieck was the first Champagne House to indicate the year of cellar aging (“mise en cave”) to monitor the wine’s development over time.

The vineyard

The Maison Charles Heidsieck cultivates approximately 60 hectares of vineyards across the Marne and the Aube. These vineyards are certified for sustainable viticulture and hold the High Environmental Value label. In addition to its own vines, it sources grapes through long-term contracts with rigorously selected growers and cooperatives in Champagne.

The wine

This 1985 edition of the “Collection Crayères” once again opens Charles Heidsieck’s Œnothèque. A tribute to the founder, this Brut champagne was cellared in 1986 and disgorged in 2021. Its dosage is 9g/L (8g/L in magnums).

The vintage

This year was exceptional for the harvest, despite severe winter frosts that damaged part of the Champagne vineyards. Sunny weather from early July favored great richness in the grapes, particularly the Chardonnays, which stand out for their maturity, finesse and elegance. The patience required for the full development of the wines is already apparent.

Blend

Pinot noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%).