Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Rare Brut Millesime 2002

Winery Background

Piper-Heidsieck is one of the oldest and most prestigious Champagne houses, founded in 1785 in Reims, France. Known for its bold and creative winemaking style, it has consistently produced exceptional Champagnes. Rare is Piper-Heidsieck’s top-tier cuvée, crafted only in the finest vintage years, with the 2002 vintage being particularly noteworthy for its depth, balance, and aging potential  .

Producer

The Rare cuvée was created by Régis Camus, Piper-Heidsieck’s Chef de Cave, who has been awarded Sparkling Winemaker of the Year multiple times. Under his leadership, Piper-Heidsieck has become known for its precise, luxurious Champagnes  .

Vineyard

The grapes used for Rare 2002 are sourced from 17 of the top vineyards in Champagne, primarily from the Montagne de Reims region. The region’s chalky soils are ideal for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, providing the wine with minerality and structure  .

The Wine

Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002 is a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. This vintage was aged for over seven years on lees, contributing to its complexity, richness, and creamy texture  .

Vintage

The 2002 vintage is one of the best in recent Champagne history, with ideal growing conditions throughout the season. It is celebrated for producing wines that balance concentration, freshness, and longevity  .

Vinification and Aging

The wine underwent traditional méthode champenoise (in-bottle fermentation), with an extended period of aging on the lees to enhance richness and develop complexity. The wine was bottled with a dosage of 9g/L, which gives it a balanced Brut style  .

Grapes

• 70% Chardonnay

• 30% Pinot Noir

The Chardonnay brings elegance and freshness, while the Pinot Noir adds body and structure  .

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Golden with fine, persistent bubbles.

• Nose: Aromas of mango, nashi pear, kiwi, with notes of hazelnut, almond, and cocoa. Floral hints of white pepper and tea leaves add complexity.

• Palate: Silky texture with flavors of candied ginger, honey, and pineapple, finishing with a refined minerality and vibrant acidity  .

Food and Wine Pairing

This Champagne pairs beautifully with:

• Lobster

• Crayfish

• Grilled oysters

• Tempura-coated seafood

It also complements desserts like lemon meringue pie  .

Service

Serve chilled at 8-10°C (46-50°F) in a wide flute or white wine glass to fully appreciate the wine’s aromas and flavors .

Storage

Though vibrant and ready to enjoy now, the Rare 2002 has the potential to age for another 6-8 years, during which time it will continue to evolve and develop further complexity .

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 97 points

• Decanter: 98 points

• Wine Enthusiast: 94 points   .

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