In 1867, It was without a doubt his audacity that pushed Charles Heidsieck to purchase the Crayères, a series of chalk cellars dating from the 3rd century, veritable subterranean cathedrals.
Audacity? Or flair? Since his obsession with the quality of his wines led him to search for the best place to store them. Here, there is no light, no noise and a stable temperature that is optimal for ageing his champagnes.
THE CHARLES HEIDSIECK CRAYERES comprise more than eight kilometres of galleries, some thirty metres below ground.
These chalk cellars house several million bottles, patiently waiting out the perfect ageing period, a minimum of four years... Stretching sometimes to more than forty.
The Crayères: An Exceptional Heritage in the Heart of Champagne
It has now been 11 years since the Crayères were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
True underground cathedrals, these majestic chalk cellars, carved nearly 30 metres below ground, provide an exceptional setting for Charles Heidsieck’s champagne bottles. It is in this historic and remarkable environment that they slowly mature over time, developing aromas of remarkable finesse and elegance.
