About Heidsieck & Co Monopole
One of the oldest established Champagne houses, Heidsieck Monopole was founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck, and has been a firm fixture on the UK scene for over a century, initially favoured by Royalty, but these days, one of our most recognisable Champagnes, with its striking yellow label and blue top.
The winemakers at Heidsieck & Co focus on a consistency of style, which is made easier by the high level of vineyards that the company actually owns, with a total of 400 acres. Today the brand is owned by the Vranken Group, which is one of the top 5 most important Champagne producers.
History Of Heidsieck & Co Monopole
A young German, Florens-Louis Heidsieck set up the company in 1785, and began to produce Champagne. As he had no children the business was left to his 3 nephews, who all went their separate ways; there are several Heidsieck Champagne companies, however this one was taken over by the eldest nephew, who trademarked the brand ‘Monopole’ in 1860, eventually leading to the trademark brand, being integrated into the name of the business ‘Heidsieck and Co Monopole’ in 1923, and exists as such today.
Heidsieck Monopole was a favourite of both English Royalty and Russian Tsars in the early 20th century, being the 2nd best known Champagne after Moet. As well as receiving a Royal Warrant from the King of England, it was also a favourite of the Emperor of Germany, the Emperor of Austria-Hungary, and Tsar Nicholas 2nd.
One of the great stories about Heidsieck Monopole is that of the rescue of 3000 bottles from the bottom of the sea, off Sweden. During the 1st World War, a German U-boat sank a cargo ship on its way to Russia, carrying, amongst other goods, Heidsieck Monopole Champagne, vintage 1907. The wreck of the ship was found in 1997, and lifted out in 1998; remarkably, the Champagne had remained intact, and had developed a fabulous, intensity, but still lively flavour.
The brand continued to develop over the years, and in 1996, the company was acquired by the Vranken Group, one of the largest in Champagne, who now own over 400 acres of vineyards, and have direct control over growers of a further 2000. The Vranken Group also own Pommery and Demoiselle Champagne.
What Styles of Champagne do Heidsieck & Co Monopole Produce?
Heidsieck & Co Monopole Champagnes are characterised by, and named after the colours of their neck foils.
Heidsieck & Monopole Blue Top NV brut is the best known and most widely distributed. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, it’s a rich, full flavoured Champagne with a stylish, biscuity character.
Heidsieck & Monopole Red Top Sec NV has a slightly higher dosage, and is therefore slightly less dry, with an appealingly rich, baked apple fruit flavour. The degree of sweetness in Champagne is determined by the amount of ‘dosage’, or sweetening that a Champagne is given when the secondary fermentation has been completed, the bubbles are there, and the wine is ready.
Heidsieck & Monopole Green Top NV is a demi-sec, and as such a richer, sweeter style altogether, with a much higher dosage.
Heidsieck & Monopole Gold Top is the classic Vintage Champagne, with true elegance and style.
The top of the range is the ‘Prestige’ and ‘Diamant bleu’ range, in intricate, carved, Russian inspired bottles.