Piper-Heidsieck has announced the release of its first limited edition, Piper-Heidsieck Hors-Série 1971 Champagne. The Hors-Série collection is a way for Chief Winemaker Émilien Boutillat to “express the creativity of the House by revisiting library wines and crafting unexpected gems,” says the brand.
The Piper-Heidsieck Hors-Série 1971 creates a connection between Boutillat and the previous generation of Chief Winemakers: “Releasing it today with a fresh disgorgement is a tribute to the cellar masters who preceded me, those who blended it fifty years ago, but also to those who allowed the wine to continue its evolution so that it could be ready to be revealed today,” says Boutillat.
The idea came about while Boutillat and his team were tasting library wines: “We were astonished by the taste, the quality, and the freshness of the 1971 vintage. Slowly aged for fifty years in our cellar, the wine was ready to be shared. The aromas were at their full potential, so we decided to disgorge the bottles and launch this one-of-a-kind Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Hors-Série 1971.”
“I am particularly proud of this cuvée because it testifies to the excellence of Piper-Heidsieck wines through several generations of cellar masters. It is a true honor to elaborate the final dosage to magnify the potential of this 1971 cuvée,” added Boutillat. “It is quite unexpected for a Champagne House to release such a quantity of a 50-year-old vintage, and I am proud to be part of this launch for Piper-Heidsieck.”
Named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2021 by the International Wine Challenge, Boutillat is the youngest Chief Winemaker to lead Piper-Heidsieck, since taking over from the renowned Chef de Cave, Régis Camus, in October 2018. Émilien’s approach to winemaking has maintained the excellence and success of the House, enabled by his philosophy to balance tradition with trailblazing distinction.
Just 2021 numbered bottles of Piper-Heidsieck’s Hors-Série 1971 were produced and each bottle will be priced at $499.
For more information, head over to Piper-Heidsieck’s official website.