2013 Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millesime Champagne

Rare Millésime 2013 expresses the house’s signature, blending minerality with a tropical twist, in two stages. Despite its initially reserved appearance, this vintage unfurls delicious notes of pastries and spices in a saline tension that is both noble and full-bodied.

TASTING NOTES: On the eye: The effervescence of Rare Millésime 2013 is tinged with an intensely bright, light golden color. On the nose: The nose, at first subtle and clean, emerges in two stages combining tonicity and elegance. It all begins with the delicacy of white flowers, a hint of black tea, and touches of citrus, kiwi, and kumquat. On the second nose, notes of lime blossom, green tea, and fern give way to aromas of white fruits such as greengage plums. Touches of chestnut honey, sweet spices, vanilla, and marzipan round off the wine’s rich bouquet. On the palate: The dual personality of Rare Millésime 2013 is confirmed in the mouth: smooth and vibrant, indulgent and dynamic. Its full-bodied attack reveals hints of meringue, whipped cream, and marzipan. Kumquat, blood orange, and kiwi then provide a refreshing tonicity. On the finish, the comforting texture of Rare Millésime 2013 appears as an aromatic and smoky indulgence punctuated by a freshness and a subtle bitterness. Rare Champagne’s iconic signature of tropic minerality is expressed differently in Rare Millésime 2013, extended by a plump and prolonged aftertaste.

"An elegant, finessed Champagne, with the creamy mousse carrying a finely meshed yet concentrated range of blackberry puree and poached apricot flavors, plus blood orange peel, salted pistachio, and aromatic accents of verbena, chalk, and oyster shell." - Wine Spectator

2013 Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millesime Champagne FAQs

What is the 2013 Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millesime Champagne? Piper-Heidsieck Rare is the prestige cuvee of Piper-Heidsieck, one of Champagne's historic grande maisons founded in 1785. The Rare Millesime is only made in the very best vintages and represents the pinnacle of the house's winemaking. It is crafted to showcase the exceptional character of a single year and is one of the most sought-after vintage Champagnes available.

How is Piper-Heidsieck Rare made? Rare Millesime is a blend of Grand Cru and Premier Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a carefully selected parcel selection across the finest vineyards in Champagne. After blending, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle and is aged on the lees for a minimum of seven years before disgorgement. This extended aging creates extraordinary complexity and depth.

What does the 2013 Piper-Heidsieck Rare taste like? The 2013 vintage of Rare is known for its elegance and precision. Expect intense aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, brioche, and mineral notes. On the palate, it is refined and structured with fine, persistent bubbles, flavors of ripe stone fruit, toasted brioche, and hazelnut, with a long, complex finish. The 2013 vintage is considered exceptional.

What is the alcohol content? Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millesime is typically bottled around 12% to 12.5% ABV, which is standard for prestige Champagne.

How does Rare Millesime compare to other prestige cuvees? Rare Millesime ranks alongside Krug Clos du Mesnil, Dom Perignon, Louis Roederer Cristal, and Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill as one of the great prestige cuvees of Champagne. It is frequently awarded top scores from critics and is prized by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

Can I personalize a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Rare? Yes. Personal Wine offers custom engraving and personalized labels on Piper-Heidsieck Rare bottles, making it one of the most prestigious and memorable personalized wine gifts available for weddings, landmark anniversaries, or milestone celebrations.

Is this a good gift? The 2013 Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millesime is among the finest Champagne gifts you can give. A bottle of prestige cuvee vintage Champagne conveys exceptional taste and makes an unforgettable impression. Adding a personalized engraving or custom label elevates it further for the most significant occasions.

How should I serve this Champagne? Serve well-chilled at around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to warm slightly in the glass to reveal its full aromatic complexity. Pair with oysters, lobster, caviar, roasted scallops, or simply enjoy it as a standalone celebration glass. Vintage prestige Champagne also benefits from an hour in the refrigerator rather than an ice bucket, which can chill it too aggressively.

Where does Personal Wine ship this Champagne? Personal Wine ships the 2013 Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millesime to most states across the U.S. Wine cannot be shipped to all states due to varying regulations. Please check availability at checkout for your specific state.