It’s not every day that one of the world’s first and most prestigious champagne houses launches a new wine, so the new Rare Rosé Piper-Heidsieck Champagne was hotly anticipated. We were lucky to attend this Rare Rosé experience in Paris – one of those nights that stays with you forever.
Rare Rose Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Experience
Our adventure started as soon as we checked in to the MGallery Hotel Molitor. Formerly a swimming pool, it is a design lover’s dream with both an indoor and outdoor pool as well as the original changing cabin doors.
It was inaugurated in 1929 by Johnny Weissmuller, star of the original Tarzan film, and the world’s first bikini was presented here in 1946.
A Rolls Royce once owned by Eric Cantona and decorated by American graffiti artist JonOne stands proud in the lobby. It’s a nod to the period in the 1980s when the abandoned pool became popular with street artists.
There’s also a quirky Clarins vending machine and a huge panoramic roof terrace.
Albert Kahn Museum and Garden
After settling in, we were whisked off to the Albert Kahn Museum and Garden, in the upmarket 16th district of Paris, like our hotel. I was really excited to visit as although we used to live in Paris, we’d never been before.
It’s a real hidden gem, inspired by Asian art. Opened in 1986 and spread over 10 acres, it houses the collection of Albert Kahn, a banker and philanthropist who had close links with Asia.
The exotic setting was very appropriate as the new Rare Rosé is also inspired by Asian as well as European heritage. PIPER HEIDSIECK themselves have an illustrious history, having been founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck.
Piper-Heidsieck History
He was originally a draper in Reims who fell for a girl from Champagne and decided to make a cuvée worthy of a queen. It quickly became popular at court.
When the founder died in 1828, his nephew, Christian Heidsieck, and cousin Henri-Guillaume Piper took it over and formed PIPER-HEIDSIECK in 1838. I spoke to Régis Camus, who has won the Sparkling Winemakers Award a record 8 times and his colleague Séverine Frerson-Gomez, to find out more.
2007 was a challenging year for champagne, with a lot of rainfall. However, the conditions were right to make an exceptional rose. Régis has been with PIPER-HEIDSIECK for 23 years and Séverine for 15 and their passion for this venerable champagne house really shines through.
They’re a tight knit team of 8 cellar masters who have worked together to create something truly unique.
Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Tasting
Back at the Garden Albert Kahn, we enjoyed a chilled glass of PIPER HEIDSIECK Rare Millésime 2002 by the Japanese pool to start. It’s an elegant cuvée with a striking yellow gold colour, fine bubbles and notes of exotic fruit together with hazelnuts, figs and almonds.
This Champagne is created from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and is a true delight. We were then treated to a glimpse of the creative process behind creating a new cuvée, with a series of interactive workshops dotted around the garden.
Firstly, we met the silversmith Jean-Pierre Cottet-Dubreuil from Richard Orfèvre, whose work echoes the craftsmanship of the magnificent Rare Rosé bottle. Each label is individually made by hand and the result is a superb rose gold foil.
Next we encountered the “nose”, fragrance specialist Patrick Hérault from Secrets de Parfums. He challenged us to identify various floral notes to be found in Rare Rosé champagne.
Inhaling the sweet aromas of the perfume bottles, we correctly guessed a few of them with a little prompting. Napoleon cherry, lychee and pomegranate were three of our favourites.
The final stop on our journey of discovery was with the florist Grégory Brousse from Le Fleuriste du Coin and his team’s gorgeous creations. Each female guest was able to choose their preferred blooms for a customized bouquet and the gentlemen were presented with a floral buttonhole.
We enjoyed some beautifully presented canapés whilst admiring the view of the historic greenhouse and our al fresco dinner table.
To say that this had the wow factor would be something of an understatement. The rose theme was carried through the tablecloths, to the lighting, the flowers and even the rose-gold cutlery.
And now came the moment that we had all been waiting for, as the Rare Rosé 2007 was finally revealed. Damien Lafaurie, President of PIPER-HEIDSIECK, as well as Régis and Séverine, gave fascinating speeches on the thinking behind the new cuvée.
We can honestly say that it’s one of the finest vintage rose champagnes that we’ve tasted. The silky smooth bubbles have accents of pomegranate, wild strawberry, Napoleon cherry and Eastern spices.
It’s perfectly balanced and has a long finish, lingering on your palate and in your mind. To accompany it in style, we feasted on a clever pink-themed meal dreamt up by Marie Soria, Head Chef of Potel & Chabot.
Dinner included gambas and aubergine, lobster with a floral salad and lamb with courgette flowers. It was slightly pink inside and wonderfully tender.
The finale was an amazing dessert of wild strawberries with lychee sorbet and crystallized rose petals. It’s unusual to drink champagne throughout the meal in France as it has traditionally been associated with special occasions.
However, as Damien told me, it is becoming more frequent, in line with Anglo Saxon countries. In this case, the subtlety of the champagne lends itself equally well to all the dishes.
After a wonderful evening which transported us to a magical place, it was time to return to our hotel. I caught up with Damien the next day to hear more about PIPER-HEIDSIECK and their plans for the future.
What is the philosophy behind PIPER-HEIDSIECK and what makes your champagne so unique?
Damien: It’s based on sharing relaxed moments and on celebrating creativity in all its forms. We’re all about accessible excellence, in the sense that our champagne is easy to appreciate even for those with less experience of fine wines.
What are the main trends in the luxury sector and particularly for champagne?
Damien: consumers are increasingly drinking champagne throughout a meal. Previously, in France, champagne was associated with special occasions or as an aperitif, yet it’s now more readily consumed on a day to day basis. We created a cocktail based on champagne, Sacré Sauvage, for that very reason. Sustainable wine growing is another important trend and it’s at the heart of everything we do.
There’s a move towards unique experiences in the luxury sector. How does PIPER HEIDSIECK fit into that?
Damien: It’s true that people are placing less importance on the label and more on the overall experience. With the shift towards digital, we’re able to have a permanent dialogue with our customers. Those clients who have ordered Rare Rosé will be able to take a tour of our cellars in Reims which are normally closed to the public.
What is next for PIPER HEIDSIECK?
Damien: we have some exciting projects including a new communications platform and packaging for selected cuvées. We never stop innovating!
Before leaving, we returned to the Molitor’s Art Deco pool for one last look. The hotel has much in common with Rare Rosé – singular, surprising and effortlessly stylish. As for Rare Rosé 2007, it’s a vintage that you really should savour. It will be sold exclusively in the most prestigious restaurants and wine stores and restaurants in Europe, the USA and Asia. Get your hands on it while you can, as it’s bound to be in high demand.
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What a fantastic evening! The bottle is beautiful and I can just imagine how good it tasted.
It was a really lovely champagne and the evening itself was just gorgeous!
I’m a huuuuge rose fan, so I’m so up for this! 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
In that case you’d have loved it, Ashley!
I love reading about your adventures Suze! The Clarins vending machine is very cool and quirky, it really looks like a fascinating hotel to stay in. As for the Rose – I’m definitely going to keep my eyes open and look out for a bottle – you can’t go wrong with pomegranate and strawberries!
The Clarins vending machine was really surprising but handy if you run out of toiletries ;-). The rose is an amazing treat
Wow, how fun! And such a gorgeous event too.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
It was a lot of fun and beautifully styled!
What a great experience! I love Champagne and I would like to taste the Rare Rosé. I wonder if’s available in the States.
It’s definitely going to be available in the States, through a few select distributors – the launch is imminent I believe
Great post, thanks for sharing. This looks like an incredible experience 🙂
Camille xo
www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
It was really memorable, I’m still smiling thinking about it now
Wow everything looks amazing
Beauty Candy Loves
It was so beautifully done, Candice!
What a gorgeous place and an amazing experience, love Paris!
I never get tired of Paris either, Becky
Those flowers are so pretty! What a life you live!
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
It was a lovely experience, Laura and the flowers were gorgeous
Oh my gosh, how great time you’ve spent! Soo jealous! ^_^
Kisses,
Nazlıgül
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It was a fantastic evening – thanks for stopping by and have a great day ahead
Great interview and Amazing event!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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Thanks Paola, it was interesting to do an interview!
gorgeous photos and that event looks so much fun! always love your content 🙂
The Fashion Matters- Travel & Fashion blog | Instagram: TheFashionMatters
Thanks very much, and hope you’re having a great day
That pool! I love Piper-Heidsieck champagne and it’s one of the brands that I buy when I’m looking for gifts.
I agree that it makes a lovely gift, Anouk
Never mind the wine, is that a Clarins vending machine?! :-O
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
It is indeed, first one I’ve ever seen!
The Japanese pool looks like a beautiful setting to enjoy a glass of PIPER-HEIDSIECK Rare Millésime – it looks like you had a fantastic time in Paris!
Miriam
www.londonkitchendiaries.com
The Japanese pool was a wonderful backdrop!
We drank the rosé champagne throughout the meal and it was great!
Oh that’s very kind, thank you Jalisa! The hotel did have some really quirky features
Love the Molitor! It’s defo very picturesque and I’m not surprised it’s the setting for a few big launches!
Love the rose theme and that table setting is wonderful. Plus you asked really good questions. I’d have to agree, champagne is definitely becoming an everyday tipple and not just an aperitif!
I do love the sound of I’m tempted to get the vintage to be able to visit their cellar in Reims! =)
Honey x The Girl Next Shore
This elegant evening will be in memory for you in a very special place. How fun to try all these wonderful flavors in such a setting. Cheers to you!
What a fantastic experience! One thing that really caught my eye was the beautiful table setting, how gorgeous.
Champagne is my favourite drink, smooth tastes are my favourites, nothing too sharp, velvety and gorgeous.
Looked like a wonderful experience, and enjoyed looking at the photographs.
Laura xo
www.shehearts.net