Wine Advisor
Piper Heidsieck, Rare Rose Millesime Brut 2012
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
The 2012 Rare Rosé Millésime, disgorged in December 2021 with a dosage of seven grams per liter, has developed gracefully. It opens with aromas of candied orange, apricot, cranberry and iris, mingling with buttered toast and a hint of smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied, elegantly muscular and beautifully balanced, with a crisp fruit core, ripe yet racy acidity and a pillowy mousse, concluding with a long, sapid and delicately perfumed finish. Incorporating 8% red wine from Les Riceys, it is more complete and harmonious than the 2014 and is really just quite starting to show its cards.
About the Producer
The oldest of the three Heidsieck champagne houses, Piper-Heidsieck was founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck. Ambitious to make his mark, Florens-Louis created a cuvee which he dedicated and presented in person to Queen Marie-Antoinette, a patronage that one assumes was, at a certain point, abruptly severed. Upon his death, nephew Christian Heidsieck went into partnership with Henri-Guillaume Piper, an energetic entrepreneur who did much to champion champagne throughout the world. Christian died suddenly, his widow married Henri-Guillaume and the company became known as Piper-Heidsieck. Today, Piper-Heidsieck has established itself as one of champagnes most consistent and reliable expressions. In 2011, the prestigious FINE Champagne magazine awarded the Piper-Heidsieck Rare first place in its Best 100 Champagnes list.
