1. Charles Heidsieck is credited with popularizing Champagne in the United States and was known as "Champagne Charlie" during his stay.
12 Facts About Charles Heidsieck
1. 2.
Charles Heidsieck's imprisonment sparked an international incident between France and US over what became known as The Heidsieck Incident.
3.
Charles Heidsieck was the son of Charles-Henri Heidsieck, a Champagne merchant who was famous for riding into Moscow on a white stallion in 1811 just ahead of Napoleon's advancing army.
4.
Charles Heidsieck arrived with cases of his Champagne and his order book, ready to celebrate with whichever side would win the upcoming battle.
5.
In 1852, Charles Heidsieck first visited the United States and toured the New England area and New York State.
6.
Charles Heidsieck quickly saw the potential for the American market and retained an agent to facilitate his import sales.
7.
When Charles Heidsieck returned five years later, he was greeted in New York City with pomp and celebration with massive newspaper coverage and banquet receptions held in his honor.
8.
In 1861, Charles Heidsieck received news of the conflict breaking out in the United States Civil War.
9.
Charles Heidsieck accepted the cotton as payment and attempted to smuggle the cotton out of the port in Mobile, Alabama with the use of two blockade runners.
10.
Charles Heidsieck's imprisonment caused a diplomatic incident between the French and US government in what became known as the Heidsieck Incident.
11.
Charles Heidsieck's release was finally granted on 16 November 1862.
12.
In early 1863, Charles Heidsieck was approached by an American missionary with a packet of papers and a letter from the United States.