The Westbury, a part of The Doyle Collection Group, is delighted to announce an evening of delectable taste and unsurpassed luxury with an exclusive Champagne dinner in WILDE on Thursday 25th November, hosted by Cyril Brun – Chef de Cave of Charles Heidsieck Champagne.
This exclusive and specialty evening will include commentary on each course alongside its Champagne pairing from Cyril himself, and The Doyle Collection’s own Group Sommelier, Philip Dunne.
Taking place on WILDE’S iconic terrace area with an unparalleled view of Grafton Street and the festive Christmas lights of the season, the 1930s-style décor offers quintessential elegance in a relaxed and abundant alfresco setting, bathed in atmospheric candlelight for the occasion.
This exciting event is an opportunity to experience five of Charles Heidsieck’s exceptional Champagne selections alongside a mouth-watering five-course tasting menu created by Sandeep Singh, Executive Chef in WILDE. Each individual course has been developed in collaboration with Philip Dunne to complement the specific cuvées presented on the evening, while also celebrating the very best of Irish seasonal produce with a creative twist.
Founded in 1851 by the original ‘Champagne Charlie’, Charles Heidsieck is based in the Reims region of Champagne. Now proudly served in all of The Doyle Collection’s hotels in Ireland, the Grande Marque House is one of the best-known producers of both vintage and non-vintage Cuvées.
Born into a family of winemakers, growers, négociants and barrel makers from Aÿ, Cyril Brun has been at the helm of Charles Heidsieck since 2015. He studied business and oenology in Reims before joining Veuve Clicquot in 2000, working under Dominique Demarville as senior winemaker, and joining Charles Heidsieck after the death of Thierry Roset. A pragmatic man of ideas with vast experience, knowledge and passion for Champagne, he has been seminal in publicly relating what makes the Charles Heidsieck Cuvée selection truly unique. In 2019, Cyril was recognised by the prestigious International Wine Challenge as Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2019.
Combined with an unsurpassed setting and exceptional Champagne, the final element for this indulgent evening is an exquisite five-course tasting menu. Designed by Sandeep Singh, dishes include a celebration of Irish seafood to start, with Carlingford Rock Oyster accompanied by Charles Heidsieck Champagne Blanc de Blancs NV. Also featured is a Roasted Loin of Kilkenny Rosé Veal, Winter Mushroom Ravioli and Pan Jus alongside a stunning Charles Heidsieck Rosé Millésime 2008, with luscious notes of citrus, pink grapefruit and blood orange. The final pairing includes a Wicklow Bán Wellington and Truffle honey served with the true magum opus of the selection – the Charles Heidsieck La Collection Crayéres Brut Millesime 2000.
Paying homage to their historic chalk cellars dating from the 3rd Century and now inscribed on the Unesco world heritage list, Charles Heidsieck unveils its greatest masterpiece through its ‘Crayères’ collection. Exclusive in Ireland to The Westbury, the rare and sought- after 2000 vintage has layers of complexity and luscious golden fruit. This is truly amongst the world’s greatest Champagnes available today, and one which The Westbury is delighted to share with its guests on November 25th with the house’s Chef de Caves.
Speaking ahead of the event, Cyril Brun said: “I am absolutely delighted to host my first Champagne evening amongst the beautiful environs of WILDE at The Westbury, and to also have the opportunity to introduce a selection of our passionately crafted cuvées.” He continued, “I hope that guests will take as much pleasure in drinking these Champagnes as I have had in making them. I am thrilled to be able to once again meet with lovers of wine and Champagne, sharing the stories behind the development of the finest expressions of our produce”.
“As our first event with Charles Heidsieck, we are thrilled to have the honour of hosting an evening with the legendary brand’s own Chef de Caves, Cyril Brun” says Philip Dunne, Group Sommelier for The Doyle Collection. “This very special occasion will include the opportunity to encounter a selection of the Grand Marque House’s most remarkable Champagnes in Cyril’s presence, alongside a magnificent menu of dishes created by our Executive Chef Sandeep Singh. I have no doubt that this evening will be an unforgettable taste experience for our guests”.
The Charles Heidsieck Champagne Evening in WILDE at The Westbury takes place on Thursday 25th November at 7pm. Tickets are extremely limited and are available for €175 per person via the website https://wilde.ie/charles-heidsieck/
