Taittinger, the story of a legend
A century-old family legacy
The history of the houseTaittingerIt all began in 1734 when Jacques Fourneaux founded a small wine trading house in Reims. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that the Taittinger family became involved with the house. In 1932, Pierre Taittinger, a politician and great wine enthusiast, acquired the estate. Under his leadership, the Taittinger house experienced spectacular growth, quickly becoming a major player in Champagne.
Pierre TaittingerHe was one of the first to understand the potential of Chardonnay to produce refined and elegant Champagnes. His pioneering work allowed the house to distinguish itself from other major Champagne houses by focusing production on vintage Champagnes and prestige cuvées. His successors, Claude and François Taittinger, continued to grow the family business by maintaining high standards of quality, while modernizing production facilities and increasing the brand's international renown.
Today, the house is run by Vitalie Taittinger, who continues to perpetuate the family legacy by combining tradition and innovation. The familyTaittingerremains deeply involved in every aspect of production, ensuring that each vintage embodies the elegance and finesse that have made the house famous.
The Taittinger Terroir
Unique terroirs for refined and balanced champagnes
The houseTaittingerTaittinger owns one of the largest vineyards in Champagne, with approximately 288 hectares spread across the region's finest plots. The vineyard is planted primarily with Chardonnay, which accounts for around 40% of the plantings, well above the regional average. This strategic choice allows Taittinger to produce exceptionally fresh Champagnes, characterized by floral aromas and a distinctive minerality.
The vineyards ofTaittingerThe vineyards are situated on chalky soils typical of Champagne, which play a key role in the ripening and quality of the grapes. These soils allow for excellent water retention while promoting natural drainage, thus providing the vines with ideal conditions for producing high-quality grapes. The main plots are spread across the Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards of the region, notably in the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs, and the Vallée de la Marne.
The Champagne appellation, of whichTaittingerAs part of the national regulations, Taittinger imposes strict rules regarding viticulture and winemaking. However, the house goes beyond these requirements by adopting sustainable agricultural practices. For several years, Taittinger has been committed to a reasoned viticulture approach, limiting the use of pesticides and promoting biodiversity. The harvest is entirely done by hand, allowing for rigorous grape selection to guarantee the best possible quality.
The Secret of Great Champagnes
A mastered art for champagnes
Winemaking atTaittingerIt is a meticulous process that aims to preserve the purity of the aromas and the finesse of the bubbles. The estate pays particular attention to each stage of production, from the selection of the grapes to the blending of the cuvées. Chardonnay, the emblematic grape variety of the house, is at the heart of Taittinger's identity. It brings a characteristic elegance and freshness to the wines, while also offering great aging potential.
ChampagnesTaittingerThese wines are made using the traditional Champagne method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle, followed by extended aging on the lees. This process allows for the development of complex aromas while giving the wines a silky texture and fine bubbles. The house's cuvées age for an average of three to five years, while prestige cuvées such as Comtes de Champagne benefit from extended aging, often exceeding ten years, to reach optimal maturity.
Assembly is an art atTaittingerThe cellar master meticulously selects wines from different crus and grape varieties to create balanced and harmonious blends. The Brut Réserve, for example, is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier, offering aromatic complexity while remaining approachable. As for the Comtes de Champagne, a 100% Chardonnay cuvée, it embodies the Taittinger style in all its splendor, with notes of white flowers, citrus, and a vibrant minerality.
ChampagnesTaittingerThey are distinguished by their precision, freshness, and finesse. They are perfect for celebratory occasions or to accompany refined dishes. Each bottle reflects the exceptional terroir of Champagne, as well as the expertise and passion of the Taittinger family.
Buy aTaittinger champagneIt is about taking a journey to the heart of Champagne excellence, where tradition and modernity meet to create unique and unforgettable wines.
