CHAMPAGNE TAITTINGER: MAIN LINE
Champagne Taittinger, one of the few remaining family-owned Champagne houses, has a long history of excellence and innovation. The main line of Taittinger champagnes represents a balance of tradition, quality, and dedication to the craft of winemaking. Below, we explore the key offerings from the Taittinger portfolio, each showcasing unique characteristics and precise winemaking methods.
TAITTINGER BRUT RÉSERVE
Taittinger Brut Réserve is a meticulously crafted blend, consisting of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, sourced from over 35 different vineyards. This composition includes wines from various vintages, aged for a minimum of three years in the cellars. The high proportion of Chardonnay—unusual for a non-vintage champagne—ensures consistency and refinement. The careful aging process enhances the champagne’s quality, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.
Key Features:
High Chardonnay content (40%)
Minimum aging of three years
Blend of over 35 vineyards and multiple vintages
TAITTINGER PRESTIGE ROSÉ
Taittinger Prestige Rosé stands out with its vibrant color, achieved by adding 15% still red wine from Pinot Noir sourced from Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys. The blend is completed with 30% Chardonnay, which provides elegance and balance. This champagne’s production involves a meticulous blending process that enhances its complexity.
Key Features:
15% still red wine for color and structure
High proportion of Chardonnay (30%)
Sourced from top Pinot Noir vineyards in Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys
TAITTINGER PRÉLUDE GRANDS CRUS
Prélude Grands Crus is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay (50%) and Pinot Noir (50%) sourced from Grands Crus vineyards classified at 100% in the Champagne ranking system. Only first-press wines are used in this blend, which undergoes more than five years of aging in the cellars. This extended maturation contributes to its finesse and longevity, making it a distinguished offering within the Taittinger range.
Key Features:
Exclusive use of first-press wines
Sourced from 100% Grands Crus vineyards
Aged over five years in cellars
TAITTINGER VINTAGE BRUT
The Taittinger Vintage Brut is only produced during exceptional harvest years. The 2016 vintage, for example, was marked by challenging weather conditions that ultimately yielded grapes of superb quality. This champagne comprises 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, with 70% of the blend coming from Grands Crus vineyards. It is aged for over five years, allowing the wine to develop its full character and complexity.
Key Features:
Exclusively produced in exceptional years
70% Grands Crus composition
Aged over five years
TAITTINGER NOCTURNE ROSÉ
Taittinger Nocturne Rosé is a Sec champagne made from a blend of Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier (70%), sourced from 30 different vineyards. The inclusion of 15% still red wine contributes to its color and structure. With a sugar dosage of 17.5 g/l and a minimum of four years of aging, this champagne is designed for late-night enjoyment and pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
Key Features:
Sec champagne with 17.5 g/l sugar dosage
15% still red wine for color and balance
Minimum aging of four years
TAITTINGER LES FOLIES DE LA MARQUETTERIE
Les Folies de la Marquetterie is a single-vineyard champagne made from 45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir. The grapes are sourced exclusively from the vineyards surrounding the historic Château de la Marquetterie. Each plot is vinified separately, and some of the wines are aged in oak barrels, adding complexity. This champagne undergoes a minimum of five years of aging in bottles to achieve its final balance.
Key Features:
Single-vineyard champagne
Partial oak aging for added complexity
Minimum five years of aging
TAITTINGER NOCTURNE
Taittinger Nocturne is another Sec champagne composed of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir and Meunier. The blend incorporates wines from 30 different vineyards and several vintages. With a sugar dosage of 17.5 g/l and a minimum aging period of four years, this champagne achieves a rich, smooth profile suitable for evening events.
Key Features:
Sec champagne with 17.5 g/l sugar dosage
Blend of 30 vineyards and multiple vintages
Minimum aging of four years
TAITTINGER DEMI-SEC
The Taittinger Demi-Sec uses the same blend as the Brut Réserve—40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—but with an increased sugar dosage of 35 g/l. This champagne is aged for three years on lees before disgorging. Its added sweetness makes it an excellent choice for pairing with desserts or lightly spiced dishes.
Key Features:
Demi-sec champagne with 35 g/l sugar dosage
Aged for three years on lees
Versatile pairing options
CONCLUSION
Taittinger’s main line exemplifies the artistry and dedication that define this historic Champagne house. From the iconic Taittinger Brut Réserve to the distinctive Les Folies de la Marquetterie, each cuvée reflects a commitment to quality and tradition. Whether crafted for everyday enjoyment or special occasions, Taittinger champagnes offer a range of expressions to suit diverse preferences and moments.