"Rare" Champagne question

[Paul_L_i_n]

Is the “rare” in Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Rare the same as the “rare” in Veuve Clicquot Brut Rare? I know the latter is a late-disgorged release, but what about the former? My guess is no, that the Cuvee Rare is just their tete de cuvee, but I just wanted to be sure. Brad? Anyone?

[Brad_Baker]

Paul,

Rare is indeed Piper’s tete de cuvee and not a late release of an older vintage like Clicquot’s “Rare” series. Piper’s Rare started off as a vintaged wine in the 70s, became an NV after the 1990 vintage and is now vintaged again.

[Paul_L_i_n]

Thanks, Brad!

[Ian_Dorin]

@Brad Baker

Paul,

Rare is indeed Piper’s tete de cuvee and not a late release of an older vintage like Clicquot’s “Rare” series. Piper’s Rare started off as a vintaged wine in the 70s, became an NV after the 1990 vintage and is now vintaged again.

I thought I was recently told that the Clicquot Rare is also low or zero dosage as well. Correct?

[Brad_Baker]

Ian,

The Rare vintages released to date are not low or non dosage wines. Different and slightly lower than the original releases - maybe, but not by much. The Rares released to date are slightly later than original disgorgements, but nowhere near recent. They are closer to late releases than late disgorgements (though future releases could be different).