Champagne Taittinger: History, Style and Vintage Releases

Based in Reims, Maison Taittinger belongs to the great historic names of Champagne. Its identity has been built around a precise vision of wine: favoring finesse, freshness and balance, with a particularly important place given to Chardonnay. This approach distinguishes the Taittinger style in a vineyard region where the blending of multiple grape varieties, crus and years traditionally constitutes one of the foundations of Champagne savoir-faire.

A History Beginning in 1734

The adventure begins in 1734, when Jacques Fourneaux founds a Champagne wine trading house, then associated with the great Benedictine abbeys that owned the region’s finest vineyards. This structure initially bears the name Forest-Fourneaux.

It is in 1932 that the history of the House as we know it today truly begins, when Pierre Taittinger, a young Parisian officer, purchases the Château de la Marquetterie. He had discovered this 18th-century estate during World War I and had fallen under its spell.

His son François Taittinger then takes over and gives the House a modern style and a vision of grandeur. He officially establishes the family name, affirms Chardonnay’s place as the signature and creates the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs cuvée in 1952.

More recently, the House experienced a significant episode. In 2005, the company is sold to an American investment group, before being bought back by the family the following year. Since 2019, Vitalie Taittinger, daughter of Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, has presided over the House and perpetuates this family heritage.

The Champagne Terroir, Secret of a Great Champagne

The exceptional quality of Taittinger champagnes comes from a rigorous selection of grapes from the finest terroirs. The House favors remarkable parcels, such as those of the Côte des Blancs for its Chardonnays, and the Vallée de la Marne and Montagne de Reims for its Pinot Noir and Meunier.

Chardonnay brings freshness, lightness and elegant minerality, while Pinot Noir and Meunier contribute structure, roundness and more pronounced fruitiness. Cultivated primarily on the chalk of the Côte des Blancs, Chardonnay develops notes of white flowers, citrus and light brioche, carried by a chalky minerality characteristic of the Champagne terroir.

The region’s temperate oceanic climate, with cold winters and moderately warm summers, also plays an essential role in the ripening of the grapes.

The Style of Taittinger Champagnes

The important place given to Chardonnay is essential to understanding the Taittinger style. The house itself defines its signature around the freshness, minerality and finesse brought by this grape variety. In the blends, this framework is complemented by the structure of Pinot Noir and, for certain cuvées, by the roundness of Meunier.

In their youth, Taittinger Champagnes generally present a precise, fresh and balanced expression. Floral and fruity notes may dominate, accompanied depending on the cuvée by citrus, white fruits, red fruits or mineral nuances. Maturation on lees progressively brings more complex characteristics, notably brioche or pastry tonalities.

Extended aging in bottle then significantly modifies this expression. Fresh fruit may give way more to nuances of ripe or dried fruits, honey, sweet spices, toasted bread, hazelnut or tree nuts. The texture also evolves, while the effervescence may become finer and less demonstrative.

This evolution is particularly interesting on vintage Taittinger champagnes and the Comtes de Champagne cuvées, crafted from raw materials capable of supporting long maturation. The final personality of an old bottle, however, remains closely linked to the vintage, its storage history and the moment of disgorgement.

The Iconic Cuvées of Champagne Taittinger

The Taittinger range opens with the Brut Réserve, the true calling card of the House. This non-vintage blend comes from more than thirty-five different vineyards. It combines a high proportion of Chardonnay with carefully preserved reserve wines. After several years of aging in the cellar, it develops aromas of ripe fruits, brioche and white flowers, for a champagne that is both classic and refined, ideal for any occasion.

In a more sensual register, the Prestige Rosé cuvée seduces with its vivacity and assertive character. It extends the Taittinger style while bringing a touch of more intense fruitiness, perfect for accompanying festive moments.

At the top of the range sits the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs cuvée, created in 1952 as a tribute to Count Thibault IV of Champagne. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay from the finest grands crus of the Côte des Blancs, it embodies the excellence and aromatic precision sought by the House. Its rosé version, the Comtes de Champagne Rosé cuvée, is equally rare and coveted by lovers of exceptional champagnes.

The House also offers more exclusive cuvées, such as Prélude Grands Crus, designed for the aperitif, or Nocturne, sweeter and ideal at dessert time. The Folies de la Marquetterie cuvée, meanwhile, pays homage to the House’s founding estate, the cradle of its entire history.

Finally, since 1983, Taittinger has enriched its offering with the Collection series. Each exceptional vintage is dressed by a contemporary artist, transforming the bottle into a true work of art.

Food Pairings with Champagne Taittinger

The Taittinger style, marked by Chardonnay, lends itself to numerous gourmet pairings. The Brut Réserve accompanies both the aperitif and more elaborate dishes. It pairs with fish, seafood, smoked salmon or fine poultry. The Prestige Rosé is enjoyed with more intense dishes, such as white meats in sauce or lightly spiced cuisine. Finally, prestige cuvées like Comtes de Champagne elevate fine dishes, from lobster to aged cheeses.

The SoDivin Selection

TAITTINGER 1989

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TAITTINGER Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Magnum 2000

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TAITTINGER Collection André Masson Brut 1982

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