Hard-working and creative, he founded his own company in 1851 and worked all his life to give his wines a reputation of the highest quality. In 1852 he was one of the first Champagne company owners to go to New York, where his charm and self-assurance seduced the Americans, who gave him the nickname Champagne Charlie, and his wines were welcomed with enthusiasm. By 1857 success was at hand and the company was shipping almost 300,000 bottles a year to America. Charles Heidsieck»