VINOSO.Shop today would like to introduce you to the Brut Millésimé 2012 in Charles Heidsieck

It is not often that such a chaotic and challenging year presents wines so perfectly balanced, concentrated and harmonious.

THE YEAR 2012 IN CHAMPAGNE - harmony reigns despite difficult weather conditions. Some people will not hesitate to compare this vintage with spectacular years such as 1990 or 1996, yet the success of the resulting wines could be considered a miracle given the challenges of the year. Nature made us fear the worst in 2012 when it triggered a series of climatic disasters on the vineyards: spring caused violent attacks of mold, torrential rains, hailstorms, frosts during flowering, followed by heat bubbles and water stress that reduced the yield by 30 %. But a beautiful and sunny summer allowed a slow ripening and a good concentration in the grapes, resulting in late harvesting. The grapes have proven to be of excellent quality: rich in sugar and with good acidity. FOR CHARLES HEIDSIECK it was an obvious choice to declare vintage 2012. After the phenomenal 2008 vintage, which required aging to show its full potential, 2012 offers a beautiful contrast as a very classic and elegant vintage. Composed of ten meticulously selected Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, this cuvée is tempting for its pleasant softness, aromatic intensity and salt freshness that is so typical of the house. Its elegance and depth make it ideal to taste and combine with the most sophisticated dishes. Perfectly suitable for further aging, definitely to drink even in ten years. For the most curious, cuvée is 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and the grapes come from 10 Grands and Premiers Crus: Oger, Vertus, Chouilly, Cuis, Verzy, Aÿ, Ludes, Ambonnay, Tauxières, Avenay. The 2012 harvest is of a beautiful pale gold yellow with the dynamic but at the same time delicate perlage. Initially the nose reveals subtle toasted and smoky notes with a touch of licorice and earthy tones. Later it shows its peculiarity with the fruity notes of apricot, plum, quince, blueberry and fresh almonds, which add depth to the wine. It has an incredible aromatic concentration, peculiar feature of the vintage. In the mouth we discover mineral and tense with excellent freshness. The notes of quince, vanilla and peaches anticipate a sharp and decisive finish. An excellent combination with smoked dishes such as smoked eel, smoked scamorza and roast chicken with chicory sauce: a delicious vintage that will continue to develop great complexity and generosity over time.