champagne charlie the frenchman who taught americans to love champagne

“Good timing,” when commercial circumstances happen to fall in your favor, is a lucky part of commercial success. Most notable perhaps, and certainly an illustration of Heidsieck’s character, is the documentation that his sons finally paid back all of their family’s debt by 1901 - 40 years after Heidsieck left the American prison and eight years after he died. For the entire duration of the relationship, the character of the person is on display, as Heidsieck also demonstrated through the tragedies of his experience. That takes time, plus financial commitment and perseverance. It Takes Time, and It Takes TimingĪs Heidsieck demonstrated in his own life, there is no substitute for first-hand, face-to-face interaction and the long-term patience to cultivate the relationships beyond a surface-level acquaintance. For that, we turn to the core of Heidsieck’s personality and character.

But the longevity and staying power of the Charles Heidsieck brand - nearly 200 years later - required deeper roots than those indicated by a soft sell delivered from white gloved hands. It was an image that worked, and worked well, for Heidsieck, and it was one that he nurtured. “Oh,” they quickly add, “I will send you a case, no strings attached,” and as they say it they pull on their white gloves and button them, then begin talking about race horses or taking the waters at the spa. They always end those conversations with an air that is almost innocent.

find it quite ordinary to be in the great literary salons, along the famous promenades, in the foyer of the Opera, and after a conversation there with you they very delicately mention the virtues of sparkling champagne.

Champagne charlie the frenchman who taught americans to love champagne