Rare

History of Rare Champagne  

The history of Rare Champagne dates back to 1785, when Florens-Louis Heidsieck, founder of the Piper-Heidsieck house, presented a special cuvée to Queen Marie-Antoinette. This royal-worthy cuvée marked the beginning of a legacy of excellence that continues today. Officially launched in 1976 with its eponymous vintage, Rare Champagne gradually established itself as a brand in its own right in 2018, separate from Piper-Heidsieck, much like Dom Pérignon for Moët & Chandon.  

The house has always maintained a close relationship with art and jewellery craftsmanship. From the outset, Rare Champagne collaborated with renowned jewellers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Fabergé, and more recently Arthus-Bertrand, who adorned its bottles with brass and gold tiaras in homage to Marie-Antoinette. Every detail of production, from bottling to blending, celebrates refinement and uniqueness. The goal is clear: to position Rare Champagne among the most prestigious cuvées in the region and the world.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Rare Champagne  

Rare Champagne rigorously selects the best terroirs from the Champagne region to create exceptional cuvées. Unlike many houses that focus on Premier and Grand Cru classifications, Rare Champagne prioritises the quality and expression of the soils. The vineyards are primarily located on the Montagne de Reims, a terroir often renowned for its Pinot Noir but here used to highlight Chardonnay, the key grape in Rare cuvées.  

The grapes come from emblematic crus such as Avize, Oger, and Villers-Marmery for the Chardonnay, and Ambonnay or Verzy for the Pinot Noir. These terroirs impart remarkable minerality and structure to each cuvée, while respecting the specific climatic conditions of each vintage.

Vinification at Rare Champagne  

Winemaking at Rare Champagne is a true art, under the direction of cellar master Émilien Boutillat, who was awarded the prestigious title of "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" in 2021 and 2023. Rare champagnes are crafted using traditional methods, where patience and precision are key. Each vintage is based on a blend dominated by Chardonnay (between 60% and 70%), complemented by Pinot Noir, sourced from the finest parcels in the region.  

The vinification process is conducted without any wood intervention, thus preserving the purity of the aromas. The cuvées are aged on lees for extended periods, sometimes over 9 years, allowing the development of complex aromas such as white flowers, citrus fruits, tropical fruits, and subtle minerality. The final dosage, often around 9 grams per litre, enhances this elegance without overpowering it, offering a champagne that is both fresh and complex.

Rare Champagne Cuvées  

Rare Champagne offers a limited range of cuvées, each representing an exceptional year and produced in very limited quantities. Among the most famous cuvées:  

Rare Millésime: The house's flagship vintage champagne. Crafted from the most exceptional harvests, it stands out for its minerality and unique character, with complex aromas of flowers, tropical fruits, and a spicy touch.  

Rare Rosé Millésime: An exceptional rosé, made from a blend of Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (40%). This rosé offers a coppery hue with aromas of red berries, citrus, and spices, all supported by a beautiful structure and great length on the palate.  

Rare Rosé Millésime 2014: The latest rosé cuvée, distinguished by aromas of pomegranate, sour cherry, and a delicate mousse. An exceptional wine for ageing.  

Rare Millésime 2013: A cuvée born from a capricious yet triumphant weather year, it stands out with notes of citrus and black tea, a fresh and vibrant wine.

Rare Champagne focuses on exceptional vintages, and in nearly 50 years, only fourteen vintages have been produced. Here is a selection of vintages to discover and enrich your cellar: 1976, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007 (Rosé), 2008, 2012 (Rosé), 2013, 2014 (Rosé).  

The Champagne region is home to prestigious houses, and for wine lovers, here are some other estates to explore: Dom Pérignon, Krug, Bollinger, Louis Roederer, Veuve Clicquot...

Rare Champagne embodies elegance, rarity, and excellence. With only fourteen vintages in nearly fifty years, each cuvée pays tribute to the terroir, history, and nature. Every bottle of Rare Champagne tells a story of resilience in the face of climatic challenges, elevated by exceptional craftsmanship. For lovers of luxury champagne, Rare Champagne represents a true treasure to discover and share.