Piper-Heidsieck Unveils Vintage 2018: A Luminous New Champagne from Chief Winemaker Émilien Boutillat

Piper-Heidsieck has officially unveiled its Vintage 2018, an intense and luminous Champagne born from one of the region’s most exceptional growing seasons in recent memory. Aged for more than 50 months on lees, this highly anticipated release delivers both remarkable depth and unmistakable elegance.

The release marks a historic milestone for the House: it is the debut vintage blend crafted by Chief Winemaker Émilien Boutillat since he took the helm.

“Vintage 2018 is a vibrant celebration of fruit and spice, capturing the personality of this phenomenal year,” says Boutillat. “It also holds special significance for me as my first vintage blend for the House. My aim was to strike a balance between Piper-Heidsieck’s heritage and my vision for the future—and I believe this cuvée achieves both.”

The 2018 growing season in Champagne saw a mild, rainy winter followed by a warm spring and a long, dry summer. These near-perfect conditions produced fruit with ideal ripeness, acidity, and aromatic intensity. Piper-Heidsieck only declares a vintage when the year’s character and quality align perfectly with its signature style.

• Composition: 50% Chardonnay, 47% Pinot Noir, and 3% Meunier.
• Sourcing: Primarily sourced from prestigious Grands and Premiers Crus vineyards in the Montagne de Reims.
• Vinification: Fermented entirely in stainless steel to preserve the purity and raw expression of the fruit.

For beverage professionals and collectors alike, Vintage 2018 offers incredible texture and immense cellaring potential (exceeding 15 years).

• Nose: Opens with aromas of nectarine, red berries, mocha, and fresh almond, layered with a subtle smoky edge.
• Palate: Generous and textured, revealing notes of raspberry, pineapple, and paprika, before finishing long and refined.
• Dosage: A restrained 7 g/L, making it exceptionally versatile for food pairings.

Thanks to its crisp acidity and savory undertones, Vintage 2018 is built to complement bold, high-end menu items. Excellent pairing options include:

• Truffle pizza
• Crostini with sundried tomatoes and anchovies
• Langoustine tartare with chili and lime
• Tomme aux fleurs cheese

Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 2018 is now available nationwide through fine wine retailers and online via Piper-Heidsieck and Noble Merchants with a suggested retail price of $120.

As a recently re-certified B Corp, Piper-Heidsieck continues to lead the region in environmental responsibility. The House remains deeply committed to sustainable viticulture, balancing its 240-year heritage with cutting-edge green innovation.

Founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck with the mission to “seriously create wines that smile,” Piper-Heidsieck is one of the world’s most celebrated Champagne Houses. Recognized as the Most Awarded Champagne House of the Century, it is enjoyed in more than 80 countries—with one bottle opened somewhere in the world every six seconds.

Led by Chief Winemaker Émilien Boutillat since 2018, the House holds Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne (VDC) and High Environmental Value (HVE) certifications, is a B Corp member, and belongs to the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA).