Hosted by trade publication The Drinks Business, experts sipped on 100 samples of bubbly at luxury hotel The Dorchester in London for the Champagne Masters Competition 2013.
Champagne house Charles Heidsieck emerged the big winner this year, earning the ultimate Master title for its Brut Reserve, Brut Millesime 2000, and Blanc des Millenaires Millesime 1995.
Sister house Piper-Heidsieck also gained a Master title for its Rare Millesime 2000.
The Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay and aged for three years in Gallo-Roman chalk cellars.
According to the champagne house, on the nose the bubbly evokes everything from freshly baked brioche and roasted coffee beans to mangos and apricots, while on the palate it may harken a crisp layer of nougatine on a velvety cream pastry filled with plump red plums and ripe cherries.
Or, as Wine Spectator says: ”Like a Persian carpet this lovely, elegant Champagne seamlessly weaves together its elements, with fine-grained texture and vibrant acidity joining rich flavors of toast, patisserie fruit and candied lemon zest that show subtle spice notes of cardamom and ginger.”
See the entire list of winners that ranges from non-vintage bottles under USD 25 to Prestige Cuvvée
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