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 Comtes de Champagne is a prestige cuvée blanc de blancs made entirely from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the best vines in the prestigious Côte des Blancs region. It is only produced when the harvest is of exceptional quality worthy of a vintage year. Winemaking methods involve strictly using just the first press juice and ageing 5% of the wines for four months in new oak barrels - a third of which are renewed every year - to enhance the intrinsic qualities and complexities of the final blend. Presented in 18th century antique style bottles, this hand-crafted champagne is aged eighteen metres underground in the UNESCO status Saint-Nicaise cellars in Reims for a minimum of eight years before being released.
This unique and rare Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 3 Vintage Case is an exceptional celebration of the diversity of vintage prestige cuvée champagne. Showcasing the qualities of the incredible 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages expressed with the characteristic pure-Chardonnay Taittinger Comtes de Champagne style, this Limited Edition case includes one 75cl bottle each of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2005, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2006 and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2007.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2005: In general, 2005 was warm and dry. After a winter which was hard but mostly dry, spring was characterised as being very mild with a few warm periods. After a period of concentrated rainfall towards the end of June and beginning of July, the rest of July was dominated by hot weather, and August by cool weather. A pale golden yellow colour with a steady flow of tiny bubbles. This vintage has helped produced a very fresh champagne combined with hints of some toasty notes. On the nose citrus flavours are present and the initial impression on the palate is expressive with vivacious fruit flavour. The lengthy rich finish reveals sweet liquorice notes.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2007: Mostly a warm year, 2007 was characterised by unexpected major weather events. A warm spring was followed by a cool summer, although the end of the ripening process was excellent, with harvests taking place in ideal conditions. Full blossom was achieved between the 24th May and 1st June. Harvesting did not start until 30th August and was carried out under cold, dry wind. This resulted in a healthy, good quality crop. A fine delicate nose which combines white blossom and light citrus hints. The palate is vibrant with lemon and good minerality, a creaminess throughout with bundles of peaches, lemon and undertones of smokiness. The finish is long and lingering which elegantly ends this well rounded 2007
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2011: The 2011 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. Lots of bright rich lemon, ripe apple and tropical notes like pineapple and yellow plum. The fruit grows more on the palate, with additions of spice, hints of creamy custard and ten years lees ageing has filled out the mid palate with a chalky richness and mineral twist. It finishes elegant and light with a twist of saline.
Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Ageing: 8-10 years on the lees
Dosage: 9 g/l
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 3 Vintage Case includes three 75cl bottles as described, presented in a beautifully crafted and branded wooden case (as shown in the picture on the left).