Review – Piper Heidsieck Brut NV

Marie Antoinette and Marilyn Monroe might not share many things in common, but they did apparently enjoy a mutual love for Piper Heidsieck Champagne. Marilyn apparently drank a glass every morning, and Marie Antoinette was such a fan that she reportedly saw to it that the house became purveyor to 14 royal courts across the world.

Founded in 1785 by Florens-Louise Heidsieck, it was not until 1828 that the Piper name joined the party when Henri-Gaillaume Piper assumed control along with Christian Heidsieck. Since then, this Champagne has made a point of associating itself with the fashionable, having had a bottle designed by Carl Faberge to celebrate the 100th anniversary, being ‘dressed’ by Jean-Paul Gaultier, and of course being the official Champagne of the Canne Film festival.

Piper Heidsieck Brut NV is a blend of 50 Crus and is composed of 55% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Meunier.

Nose: A bright, fresh aroma offers up a delicate balance of lemon zest, blossom and orchard fruit.

Neat: The light and fresh theme continues on the palate where a prominent acidity keeps things delightfully crisp and quaffable.  The savoury elements are understated but it remains a balanced offering.

Mixing: The key to successful mixing is found in working with the fresh character of this Champagne rather than against it. As such, it works much better with white spirit-base cocktails than aged spirits where, in the Old Cuban for example, it is dominated into submission by the bold combination of rum and mint. A Royal Mojito (see Old Cuban but with white Rum) on the other hand is much more flattering to the Champagne as it works in harmony with the spirit.  The results are also pleasing when mixed with sweeter ingredients to complement the acidity of the Champagne such as in the Twinkle or simply with a splash of your favourite liqueur.  The King’s Ginger together with a couple of dashes of bitters for example made for a delicious combination that allowed the flavours of the Champagne to shine.

Piper Heidsieck Brut NV is a clean and fresh-tasting Champagne that is enjoyable on its own and a successful cocktail ingredient.Rating: ★★★

Piper Heidsieck Brut NV is available to buy from Master of Malt.

★: Terrible, only drink for a dare.
★★: Meh, not undrinkable but best left alone.
★★★: Reasonable, middle of the road.
★★★★: Tasty stuff, well worth seeking out.
★★★★★: Incredible, booze doesn’t get better than this. You need a bottle in your life.