Piper-Heidsieck, a champagne house in France’s wine region, has a rich and exciting past. Have you tried this bubbly delight? If not, now is the time. It’s been touted as a favorite by Hollywood’s elite and has even received an endorsement from royalty.
Do you want to learn more about Piper-Heidsieck champagne? Discover 10 things to know and impress others with your knowledge the next time you serve this champagne!
1. A Taste of Love
It was Florens-Louis Heidsieck’s goal to make a “wine that smiles” in attempts to win over his love, Agathe Perthois. Originally from Germany, Heidsieck was the first to discover the Champagne region’s wine in 1777. Eight years later, the self-starter presented his wine to the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, who became the brand’s first ambassador. Later that year, Heidsieck married Perthois, his great love.
2. A Hollywood Star
Piper-Heidsieck has been a favorite in Hollywood for years. If you want to catch one of the brand’s first appearances on the big screen, tune into the 1933 film Sons of the Desert, with Laurel and Hardy. In 1953, Marilyn Monroe stated, “I start every day with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck because it warms me up.” Other Hollywood stars who wanted to pose with the champagne included Ava Gardner, Clark Gable, and Fred Astaire.
3. A Bejeweled Affair
In 1885, to celebrate the brand’s centennial, star jeweler to Russian Tsar Alexandar III, Pierre-Karl Fabergé, designed a special bottle adorned with jewels like diamonds and lapis lazuli. This event marked a partnership between the House and the world’s most exceptional craftsmen. In 1985, to mark the 200th Anniversary, the House paired up with Van Cleef & Arpels, luxury jeweler, to design another commemorative bottle.
4. An Elegant Cocktail
Are you looking for a new cocktail recipe that will thrill your guests? Try this Piper-Heidsieck Champagne recipe prepared at the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition by Pierre Munier. It starts with a little Bacardi Carta Blanca. Then, add equal parts hibiscus syrup, liqueur Saint-Germain, fresh lime juice and egg white. Plus, don’t forget the Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut.
5. A Sustainable Venture
At the Piper-Heidsieck House, more than 50% of the vineyard is naturally weeded to reduce chemical weeding. Due to more efficient machinery and water management, they were also able to cut water usage in half. In 2015, the House was awarded for their environmental commitment the label “Haute Valuer Environnementale,” which means High Environmental Values.
6. A Unique Pairing
Fish and chips might taste great with a pint of Guinness — but why not pair it with a bubbly bottle of Piper-Heidsieck? The breading of the fish perfectly complements the buttery and toasty notes of the Cuvée. Experts say before you drink, chill the wine to 8-10° C. Then, pour into a large class to break up the bubbles, allowing the flavors to express themselves fully.
7. A Lifelong Friendship
Wine and cheese are the ultimate duos. According to the House Cellar Master, there are three types of hard cheeses to look for. The first is Parmigiano Reggiano, a pressed cheese made from cow’s milk and ripened for 12 to 48 months. Next is Mimolette, a French cheese known for its smoky hazelnut flavor. The last recommendation is Blue Stilton, the “King of Cheese” that mingles well with Cuvée Sublime.
8. Academy Awards Partnership
Piper-Heidsieck and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have partnered for the past five years to commission a limited-edition bottle specially for the Academy. The Piper-Heidsieck limited-edition magnum, as in recent years, is custom produced for the Oscars and features the House signature Cuvée Brut. It is poured solely at the awards ceremony and Governors Ball, the official after-party of the Academy’s Oscars.
9. Thanks to Régis Camus
Piper-Heidsieck is the most awarded Champagne House of the century, thanks to the expertise of the head winemaker Régis Camus. In 2013 he was named the International Wine Challenge’s Sparkling Winemaker of the Year for the eighth time. Régis Camus joined Piper-Heidsieck in 1994 and rose to the position of cellar master in 2002. He declared his retirement from Piper-Heidsieck in 2018. Now Régis Camus is the cellar master for House’s select line of Rare Champagne. Rare Champagne offers only the most remarkable vintages. For over four decades, there have only been nine of the Rare Champagne produced.
10. How do you Pronounce Piper-Heidsieck?
If you are from France, Germany, and Belgium, you will most likely pronounce the name of this famous Champagne house as “PEEP-ur HIDE-seek.” English speakers often say, “PIPE-ur HIDE-seek.” Both are acceptable.
Final Thoughts:
If you are a champagne-lover like me and are looking to enjoy a fabulous bubbly, you will love Piper-Heidsieck. One sip and you’ll be a devoted brand ambassador. As you can see, the House comes with a rich history, starting with endorsements from Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France! So channel your inner royal self and enjoy a Cheers moment with a lovely glass of Piper-Heidsieck!
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
Comments