Champagne Taittinger

The Taittinger Vineyard

Set on the remains of several Benedictine abbeys, the Viniculture estate of the Taittinger house is located in the Champagne region, in Reims in the Marne. It extends over 287 hectares of vines composed of 90% Chardonnay Blanc. This grape variety is the master, the king, the trademark of Taittinger champagnes. But you can also find Meunier noir and Pinot noir for 5% of the vineyard each. The vineyard of the house benefits from a half oceanic, half continental climate. This causes rather cold winters with frequent frosts and rather temperate and sunny summers and autumns. The average temperature is 10 degrees and sunshine is, in general, 1600 hours per year. The vines grow on soils of clay, marl, limestone, sand and chalk. These conditions are favorable for the production of quality champagne.

The romantic history of Taittinger champagnes

The House of Taittinger was originally the House of Forest-Fourneaux, created in 1734 by Jacques Fourneaux. At the time, he worked with the Benedictine Abbeys of Dom Oudart who owned the most beautiful vineyards in the Champagne region. It was not until 1932, almost 200 years later, that Pierre Taittinger decided to buy the Château de la Marquetterie, one of the estates of the Maison Forest-Fourneaux. He had fallen in love with this elegant, relaxing and historic place. The Taittinger family were wine and champagne merchants, but lived in Paris. The purchase of this house allowed them to have their own Champagne. It should be noted that Pierre Taittinger was also a French parliamentarian and was very involved in politics.

From 1945 onwards, the Taittinger sons, François, Jean and Claude, took turns at the helm. But it is Claude Taittinger who between 1960 and 2005 allowed the brand to develop and become one of the great French champagne houses. In 2005, Taittinger was sold to an American pension fund called Starwood. But the investors and buyers from the business world where speed is king, could not respect the tradition and the slow and prestigious manufacture of Champagne. That's why in 2006, the Crédit Agricole associated with Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger decided to buy the vineyards, but Starwood kept the hotel part.

What are the grape varieties used by the Taittinger House?

The Chardonnay Blanc is the favorite grape variety of the House of Taittinger. Its small yellow grapes give the champagnes their finesse, lightness and a certain freshness. They bring aromas of hazelnut, anise and citrus. White Chardonnay is a hardy grape variety that thrives on the region's soils. Without blending, it creates a Blanc de Blancs champagne, which is highly prized by the House.

The Pinot Noir and its dark blue grapes offer the champagnepower and body. It is a grape variety that is difficult to produce, as it is fragile and delicate, but one of the most qualitative. It gives rosé champagnes their characteristic colors and brings aromas of red fruits.

The Meunier Noir and its juice-rich grapes give champagne a certain roundness and also bring red fruit aromas. It is a vigorous grape variety that likes clay soils.

How can we describe the style of the Maison Taittinger?

The Maison Taittinger likes to define itself by an exceptional vineyard work mixing care and effort. Its goal is to create unique wines that serve the French art of living. The method of vinification used is that of the champenoise type. The grapes are vinified partly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and partly in oak barrels. This is followed by riddling and then aging on laths and disgorging. All champagnes are made in a spirit of sharing and group. The Tasting Committee chooses, in a collegial manner, the champagnes that will be elected.

The great vintages of the Maison Taittinger

Brut, Grands Crus, demi-sec and rosé, Maison Taittinger offers us a wide range of exceptional champagne.

Taittinger - Le Prestige rosé

This is a very intense champagne vinified in red at 15%. A tasty blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that dresses it in a very marked pink color with fine bubbles. On the nose, it is a wine that offers us aromas of cherries and strawberries while fresh. In the mouth, we can distinguish a perfect balance and aromas always present. It will wonderfully accompany your sweet and fruity sweets.

Taittinger - Le Prélude Grands Crus

This is a wine of character honoring the terroir of the House of Taittinger. Produced with the first juices of pressings from a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, it is a lively and fresh champagne. Its pale, bright color reveals fine, active bubbles. On the nose, we can distinguish planty notes such as elderflower. On the palate, it is a full and round wine with citrus flavors and an explosive and powerful finish.

Taittinger - Le Comtes de Champagne 2007

This is a delicate and precious champagne with a golden color with green reflections. One can distinguish touches of white flowers followed by a hint of anise. It is a greedy and aromatic wine that, once in the mouth, gives way to freshness and citrus aromas.

Taittinger - Les Folies de la Marqueterie

This is a rich and complex champagne. It honors the first estate purchased by the Taittinger family and was the first terroir champagne produced. Its golden color is very intense. This fruity champagne reveals aromas of peaches and apricots and hints of brioche and vanilla. In the mouth, it is full and supple with a woody finish.