Champagne Taittinger: history, style and old vintages

Based in Reims, Maison Taittinger is one of the historic great names of Champagne. Its identity has been built around a clear vision of wine: favouring finesse, freshness and balance, with a particularly important role given to Chardonnay. This approach distinguishes the Taittinger style in a wine region where blending different grape varieties, crus and vintages has traditionally been one of the foundations of Champagne expertise.

A history that began in 1734

The story began in 1734, when Jacques Fourneaux founded a Champagne wine trading house, which at the time was closely connected to the great Benedictine abbeys that owned some of the region’s finest vineyards. The company was initially known as Forest-Fourneaux.

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

His son François Taittinger later took over and gave the Maison a modern style and an ambitious vision. He officially established the family name, reinforced Chardonnay’s role as the Maison’s signature grape variety and, in 1952, created the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs cuvée.

More recently, the Maison experienced a significant turning point. In 2005, the company was 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 served as President of the Maison, continuing this family legacy.

The Champagne terroir, the secret behind a great Champagne

The exceptional quality of Taittinger Champagnes comes from a rigorous selection of grapes sourced from some of the finest terroirs. The Maison favours outstanding plots, including 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 fruit. Grown mainly on the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs, Chardonnay develops notes of white flowers, citrus fruit and delicate brioche, supported by the distinctive chalky minerality 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 role given to Chardonnay is essential to understanding the Taittinger style. The Maison itself defines its signature through the freshness, minerality and finesse brought by this grape variety. In the blends, this backbone is complemented by the structure of Pinot Noir and, in certain cuvées, the roundness of Meunier.

In their youth, Taittinger Champagnes generally display a precise, fresh and balanced character. Floral and fruity notes may dominate, accompanied, depending on the cuvée, by citrus fruit, white fruit, red fruit or mineral nuances. Ageing on the lees gradually brings greater complexity, including brioche and pastry-like notes.

Extended bottle ageing then significantly changes this expression. Fresh fruit may gradually give way to nuances of ripe or dried fruit, honey, sweet spices, toast, hazelnut or other nutty aromas. The texture also evolves, while the bubbles may become finer and more subtle.

This evolution is particularly interesting in vintage Taittinger Champagnes and the Comtes de Champagne cuvées, which are made from grapes capable of supporting long maturation. The final character of an older bottle nevertheless remains closely linked to the vintage, its storage history and the date of disgorgement.

The iconic cuvées of Champagne Taittinger

The Taittinger range begins with Brut Réserve, the Maison’s signature Champagne. 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 ageing in the cellars, it develops aromas of ripe fruit, brioche and white flowers, resulting in a Champagne that is both classic and refined, ideal for any occasion.

With a more sensual character, the Prestige Rosé cuvée stands out for its vibrancy and distinctive personality. It extends the Taittinger style while bringing a more intense fruity expression, making it perfect for festive occasions.

At the top of the range is Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, created in 1952 in tribute to Count Thibault IV of Champagne. Made exclusively from Chardonnay sourced from the finest Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, it embodies the excellence and aromatic precision sought by the Maison. Its rosé counterpart, Comtes de Champagne Rosé, is equally rare and highly sought after by lovers of exceptional Champagne.

The Maison also produces more exclusive cuvées, such as Prélude Grands Crus, designed for the aperitif, and Nocturne, a sweeter style that is particularly suited to dessert. The Folies de la Marquetterie cuvée, meanwhile, pays tribute to the estate where the Maison’s modern story began.

Finally, since 1983, Taittinger has expanded its range with the Collection series. Each exceptional vintage is presented with artwork created by a contemporary artist, transforming the bottle into a genuine work of art.

Food pairings with Champagne Taittinger

The Taittinger style, shaped by Chardonnay, lends itself to a wide range of food pairings. Brut Réserve works equally well as an aperitif or alongside more elaborate dishes. It pairs beautifully with fish, seafood, smoked salmon and fine poultry. Prestige Rosé can be enjoyed with more intense dishes, such as white meats served with sauce or lightly spiced cuisine. Finally, prestige cuvées such as Comtes de Champagne enhance refined dishes, from lobster to mature 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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