Originally known as Forest-Fourneaux with history dating back to 1734 and in 1932 Pierre Taittinger bought the House and the Taittinger label was born. A century of incredible growth saw Taittinger become one of the biggest producers and today is one of the last big independent, family-owned Houses. Pierre-Emmanuel retired in 2019 and was succeeded as President by his daughter Vitalie. They own 288-hectares of vineyards and the Taittinger style is the high percentage of Chardonnay. In 2017 Taittinger received two environmental accreditations: the ‘Viticulture Durable en Champagne’ (Sustainable vine-growing in Champagne) and the Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE – High environmental sustainability.)

Taittinger produce a vintage champagne only when the harvest has been of exceptional quality. Their Brut Vintage is always a blend of juice exclusively from the first pressing of the grapes and is aged for four years in the cellars, allowing the aromas to mature slowly and the length and complexity of the wine to develop. It consists of Chardonnay from Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs and Pinot Noir from Grand Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne.

Weather: The 2009 vintage was a continental, sunny year with a real winter that was very cold and dry followed by a glorious sun-filled summer and almost no rain in August and September. The harvest was incomparable in terms of quality and produced consistent, fresh and crunchy grapes.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru | Pinot Noir: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne | Chardonnay: Côte des Blancs
Grape Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay
Ageing: 6 years on the lees
Disgorged: May 2016
Dosage: 9 g/l
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: Pale yellow with a constant fine stream of bubbles. Initially on the nose there are yeasty bread aromas that give way to a sweeter fruity scent. On the palate hints of lemon and mandarin are present that leads to a slighty honeyed mid-palate. The finish is exceptionally long and generous with an abundance of fresh and rich fruits. A vintage that is ready to drink but given some time the maturity will only add to the flavours.