In the early 1950s, whilst on his first trip to the United States to promote Taittinger champagne, Claude Taittinger met Rudy Kopf, who would later become their partner for the distribution of Taittinger champagne on the other side of the Atlantic. After getting to know each other better, Kopf asked Claude the following question: “In tomorrow’s world, there will only be space for big corporations and artists. Which side will you choose for Taittinger champagne?”. Instinctively, Claude Taittinger replied: “The artists!”; thus, setting out the direction in which he would take Champagne Taittinger when he took over as President 10 years later.

Having forged strong links with several artists, Claude Taittinger created the Taittinger Collection in 1983. He received support from some of the greatest names in contemporary art to showcase the best vintage Grands Crus produced by the Champagne House. The bottle becomes both the canvas and the inspiration for a creation, signed by a distinguished artist. The Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely was the first artist to produce work for this unique art gallery, which to date includes a long line of designs by artists such as André Masson, Roy Lichtenstein, Imaï, Rauschenberg and Amadou Sow.

1. Victor Vaserely | Vintage: 1978 | Released: 1983
2. Arman | Vintage: 1981 | Released: 1985
3. André Masson | Vintage: 1982 | Released: 1987
4. Vieira da Silva | Vintage: 1983 | Released: 1988
5. Roy Lichtenstein | Vintage: 1985 | Released: 1990
6. Hans Hartung | Vintage: 1986 | Released: 1992
7. Imaï | Vintage: 1988 | Released: 1994
8. Corneille | Vintage: 1990 | Released: 1996
9. Matta | Vintage: 1992 | Released: 1998
10. Zao Wou-Ki | Vintage: 1998 | Released: 2003
11. Rauschenberg | Vintage: 2000 | Released: 2007
12. Amadou Sow | Vintage: 2002 | Released: 2011
13. Sebastião Salgado | Vintage: 2008 | Released: 2016

Due to the limited nature of these bottles, they are becoming increasingly difficult to source - particularly the original vintages from the 1980s. Full collections are especially rare. However, we’ve managed to source an entire collection – all 13 bottles in their original presentation boxes. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase an extremely rare complete set of Taittinger Collection.

We're happy to put prospective buyers in touch with David Cox, the private collector and well known wine trade veteran who has stored each of the Taittinger Collection vintages in his private cellar. He reports all are in perfect condition.

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