“Give me a Taittinger Blanc de Blancs ... It isn’t very well known, but it is the best champagne in the world.” — James Bond, Casino Royale, 1951
In the world of Champagne, one name stands out as a symbol of tradition, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence: Taittinger. For nearly a century, the Taittinger family has overseen the Champagne House, taking their commitment to the art of winemaking to new heights. As the third-oldest house in the region and one of the world's most renowned names, Taittinger Champagne is a dazzling wine that belongs in every cellar and at every celebration.
Taittinger: Legacy & History Behind the House
Taittinger Champagne was founded in 1734 by Jacques Fourneaux, a Reims businessman who worked with local Benedictine monks to learn how to produce wine. The Champagne House was only the third founded in the region, laying the groundwork for Champagne's eventual global expansion. It was in 1932, when Pierre Taittinger purchased the estate that the Champagne House was named Taittinger, and the estate has remained in family hands ever since, barring a one-year ownership in 2005 by Starwood Capital. The sale attracted intense scrutiny from the Champagne industry, fearing the historic estate would lose its culture from the American investment group. The Taittinger family re-purchased the house a year later, reestablishing its historic stature in Champagne.
Taittinger Champagne has built a brand as a top Champagne House, becoming the official Champagne partner of the BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards) and was even lauded by the award-winning author of the James Bond book series, Ian Flemming. In his book Casino Royale, Flemming wrote: “Give me a Taittinger Blanc de Blancs...It isn’t very well known, but it is the best champagne in the world.”
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, who has embodied the houses commitment for four decades, works closely with his son, Clovis, and his daughter, Vitalie, in running the Champagne House. This close-knit family trio ensures that the name on the bottle represents not just a history of skill and knowledge but also a commitment to the future.
Taittinger a Reims: Vineyard & Terroir
Taittinger's pursuit of quality is mirrored in its extensive vineyard holdings, spanning 288 hectares. As the third-largest vineyard owner in the Champagne region, the team at Taittinger has honed their skills in caring for the vines meticulously. Their vineyards are located across the 'Côte des Blancs,' the 'Vallée de la Marne,' and the 'Montagne de Reims,' with 37% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier vines.
Great care is given to these natural treasures, and the grapes are grown using traditional and sustainable methods. From pruning to harvesting, Taittinger ensures the best raw material, making excellence a reality, not a myth.
Taittinger Champagne: World-Class Winemaking
Taittinger's approach to winemaking is rooted in humility and tranquility. The experience and passion of their winegrowers give way to the expertise of the Cellar Master, who carefully selects and blends the potential of each vintage. Chardonnay plays a central role in Taittinger's blends, contributing to their unique style.
In Champagne, patience is not just a virtue; it's a necessity. Time is the alchemist that transforms grapes into fine wine. Weather and time work together to infuse the grapes and vines with life and strength. The maturation process in the chalk quarries beneath the former Saint-Nicaise Abbey is where the true craftsmanship of Taittinger Champagne is unveiled and where the wine develops its complexity and character.
2006 Comtes de Champagne - A Vintage to Remember
AG98 “We started with the 2006 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, which is every bit as racy and seductive as it has always been. It’s a great, great vintage for Comtes.”
The 2006 vintage of Comtes de Champagne is a remarkable expression of the Taittinger style. With rich and complex aromas of white and citrus fruit, white flowers, and a distinct minerality, this vintage represents a perfect blend of maturity and delicacy. The palate reveals vibrant and sophisticated notes, with a smooth, full-bodied mid-palate and a delicate, long-lasting finish.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs – Quality Over Quantity
The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the pinnacle of the Taittinger style, made exclusively from white Chardonnay grapes from the prestigious Côte des Blancs region, which spans only 20 km, is 95% planted with Chardonnay vines. This region, with its chalky soil, is ideal for growing white grapes, resulting in wines with aromatic sophistication. Only grapes from extraordinary harvests are selected for Comtes de Champagne.
Taittinger's emphasis is always on quality over quantity. Production years for Comtes de Champagne are rare, as only exceptional harvests make the cut. Since the first cuvée in 1952, only 48 great vintages have been produced. Each bottle is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Taittinger Champagne House.
Taittinger Brut Reserve
Taittinger Brut Reserve is its second-most sought after bottle, following the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. The Brut Reserve is crafted from 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier, spanning over 35 different vineyards and vintages. The wine is aged for a minimum of 3 years in the cellar to attain a delicate balance and display maturing aromas and flavors.
Each bottle of Taittinger Brut Reserve features a bright golden hue and is renowned for its fruit and brioche aromas, which is complemented by small hints of peach, white flower, and vanilla pod. A lively and fresh sensation dominates the palate, making this wine, "A Symbol of Festivity."
Taittinger Rose
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose is one of the region's finest Rose wines. The wine comprises an unusually high amount of Chardonnay at 30%, with the remaining 70% comprising Pinot Noir. Resulting bottles feature a shimmering pink hue and red fruit aromas— namely wild raspberry, cherry, and blackcurrant. The high Chardonnay percentage gives Taittinger Rose a unique style, which balances a velvety texture and full body.
Celebrate in Style with Taittinger Wine
The 2006 Taittinger Champagne, and particularly the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, is a testament to the Taittinger family's commitment to excellence. With a deep-rooted history, exceptional vineyards, and a winemaking philosophy centered on patience and precision, Taittinger has produced a Champagne that epitomizes sophistication and elegance. Whether you're a connoisseur or an enthusiast, indulging in the 2006 Taittinger isn’t only delicious, it’s becoming a part of history and tradition, representing the enduring legacy of a Champagne House that truly understands the art of winemaking.
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