Taittinger

Taittinger

A bottle of Taittinger Champagne

Taittinger is a renowned French Champagne house located in the city of Reims, in the Champagne region of France. Known for its elegant and refined sparkling wines, Taittinger is one of the few remaining family-owned and operated Champagne houses. The house is celebrated for its commitment to quality and tradition, producing a range of Champagnes that are enjoyed worldwide.

History

The origins of Taittinger date back to 1734 when it was founded by Jacques Fourneaux. However, it was not until 1932 that the Taittinger family became involved in the business. Pierre Taittinger, a politician and entrepreneur, purchased the estate and began to develop the brand into the prestigious name it is today. Under the leadership of the Taittinger family, the house expanded its vineyards and modernized its production techniques while maintaining a strong emphasis on traditional methods.

Vineyards

Taittinger owns approximately 288 hectares of vineyards, which are spread across some of the best terroirs in the Champagne region. The vineyards are planted with the classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Taittinger is particularly known for its high proportion of Chardonnay in its blends, which contributes to the house's signature style of elegance and finesse.

Production

The production of Taittinger Champagne involves a meticulous process that combines traditional methods with modern technology. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully pressed to extract the finest juice. The first fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which is the hallmark of the méthode champenoise.

The historic cellars of Taittinger

Taittinger Champagnes are aged in the historic cellars beneath Reims, which date back to the 4th century. These cellars provide the perfect environment for the wines to mature, with a constant temperature and humidity level. The aging process can last several years, depending on the style of Champagne being produced.

Styles of Champagne

Taittinger produces a range of Champagnes, each with its own unique character. The flagship wine is the Taittinger Brut Réserve, a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier. This Champagne is known for its fresh and lively character, with notes of citrus and white flowers.

The house also produces the prestigious Comtes de Champagne, a Blanc de Blancs made entirely from Chardonnay grapes sourced from Grand Cru vineyards. This wine is aged for a minimum of 10 years, resulting in a complex and refined Champagne with flavors of brioche, almonds, and honey.

Taittinger Caves

The ancient chalk caves of Taittinger

The Taittinger cellars are a significant part of the house's heritage. Located beneath the Saint-Nicaise Abbey, these ancient chalk caves were originally carved out by the Romans. Today, they serve as the perfect environment for aging Taittinger Champagnes. Visitors to the Champagne house can tour these historic cellars and learn about the intricate process of Champagne production.

Related Pages

• Champagne (wine region)
• Méthode champenoise
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir
• Pinot Meunier