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Piper-Heidsieck

Piper-Heidsieck

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Perfection since 1785

Every great story begins with an encounter and the inspiration that comes from it. For Florens-Louis Heidsieck, the muse was named Agatha Pertois. Irrevocably in love with her, he was captivated by the idea of creating "a wine that makes you smile." Driven by his enthusiasm, the German-born adventurer discovered his second great love – the Champagne region and its wonderful wines. Nothing could stop young Heidsieck, who, besides being persistent, innovative, and brilliant, was fueled by the power of inspiration.

Thus, Florens-Louis founded the company "Heidsieck & Cie" in 1785, and his next dream was already clear and even grander. He set out to create a bottle worthy of a queen. Sparkling, fine bubbles and an inimitable taste were hidden in the champagne he presented to Marie Antoinette. The heiress fell in love with the magnificent drink from the first sip, which marked the beginning of a new era in the development of "Heidsieck & Cie."

Florens died in 1828, but his work was successfully continued by a legendary duo in the company's history. His nephew – Christian Heidsieck and Henri-Guillaume Piper joined the company's team in Reims and managed to popularize the brand beyond the borders of France. Their champagne became so popular that all representatives of high society wanted to experience it. Thus the fairy tale continued, and the brand was chosen as the official supplier to 14 royal courts – from those of Habsburg princes to Chinese emperors. Christian's sudden death put a pause on the momentum gained from the impressive partnership. A new, stronger and fundamental impetus in the company's development was again provoked by true love. After a long period of mourning, Christian's widow married Henri-Guillaume, and thus the names Heidsieck and Piper became one.

The year is 1885. A century has passed since the creation of "a wine that makes you smile." The most wonderful gift for the company's 100th anniversary was presented by Pierre-Karl Fabergé. The brilliant jeweler to Russian Tsar Alexander II crafted a magnificent bottle, adorned with gold, diamonds, and the precious stone Lapis Lazuli. Unbeknownst to him, Fabergé initiated the invaluable friendship between Piper-Heidsieck and the most famous jewelers in the world. The second century of the brand's existence was honored just as fittingly. In 1985, the luxury jewelry brand Van Cleef & Arpels created an iconic champagne bottle, again adorned with diamonds and blue Lapis Lazuli.

In 2011, the company's management was taken over by the Descours family, and thus Piper-Heidsieck became part of the prestigious EPI group. Under the leadership of Christian Descours, Piper-Heidsieck successfully continues to write its history and achieve new successes. The company conquers high peaks, drawing inspiration from its values, uncompromising quality, and its mission to be "a wine that makes you smile."

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The Secret to Piper-Heidsieck's Production

In September and October, grapes are hand-picked – precisely when the perfect balance between sweetness and pleasant tartness has been achieved. The grape bunches are carefully placed in special containers to be transported intact to the nearest press. After careful pressing, the must is placed in containers where, over a period of 15-20 hours, the seeds and skin are naturally filtered and settle at the bottom. During the 15-day alcoholic fermentation process, the magic happens, and the grape juice turns into wine. Subsequently, malolactic fermentation reduces the acidity in the wine. Blending is the mastery that makes champagne unique, stylish, and balanced. The second alcoholic fermentation takes place in the bottle and creates the characteristic fizziness of champagne. After that, the champagne bottle ages at a constant temperature of 10-12 degrees in dark cellars, dug 6 meters deep. From a horizontal position, the bottles are gradually and carefully rotated. One to several rotations of 1/4, 1/6, or 1/8 turns are necessary, during which time sediment collects in the neck of the bottle, and the wine becomes crystal clear. To remove the accumulated sediment, the neck of the bottle is immersed in a solution at -27 degrees, which causes the sediment to freeze. Then the bottle is quickly opened, and the frozen crystals are removed.

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Starry Champagne and the Cinema Universe

Almost 90 years ago, the beautiful romance between Piper-Heidsieck and the world of cinema began. The champagne appeared on screen in 1933 in the film "Sons of the Desert." Two decades later, the legendary Marilyn Monroe revealed: "I start my day with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck. It really warms me up." Her favorite drink was immortalized in films and in footage of her, and her third husband even engraved her name on the brand's ice bucket. Piper-Heidsieck established itself in Hollywood with its presence in the films "Blue Is the Warmest Color," "Café Society," and "Fifty Shades of Grey." Since 1993, the brand has been an official supplier to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, and in 1992, the champagne debuted on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. Piper-Heidsieck's return to the Academy Awards was in 2015, and since then, the brand has been an official partner of the awards ceremony.

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Piper-Heidsieck – a True Fashion Icon

An elegant bottle of "Piper-Heidsieck", "dressed" in a red leather corset. Who else but the brilliant Jean Paul Gaultier could have achieved something so ingenious? In 1999, he paved the way for this luxurious champagne into the world of fashion. The collaboration with renowned designers continued with the avant-garde duo Viktor & Rolf. In 2007, they created the concept of the Rosé Sauvage bottle, inverted with the cork downwards. In 2010, Piper-Heidsieck partnered with the world-renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin. This collaboration gave birth to "The Ritual" - a luxurious set including champagne and a specially designed glass shoe, naturally with the typical red sole. It was named after a popular tradition in France from 1880, according to which champagne was drunk from a woman's shoe.