Charles Heidsieck | |
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![]() Image of Charles Heidsieck used in Champagne ads in the US during the 1850s | |
Born | Charles Camille Heidsieck 16 June 1822 France |
Died | 3 February 1893[1] France | (aged 70)
Occupation | Champagne merchant |
Spouse | Amélie Henriot |
Parent | Charles-Henri Heidsieck & Emilie Henriot |
Charles Camille Heidsieck (1822–1893[1]) was a French Champagne merchant who founded the Champagne firm Charles Heidsieck in 1851. He is credited with popularizing Champagne in the United States and was known as "Champagne Charlie" during his stay.
During the American Civil War Heidsieck was imprisoned under suspicion of being a spy for the French government and the Confederacy. His imprisonment sparked an international incident between France and US over what became known as The Heidsieck Incident.[2]