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.
This unique and rare Taittinger Brut 3 Vintage Case is an exceptional celebration of the diversity of vintage champagne. Showcasing the qualities of the incredible 2008. 2013, & 2014 vintages expressed with the characteristic Chardonnay-dominant Taittinger style, this Limited Edition case includes one 75cl bottle each of Taittinger Brut Vintage 2008, Taittinger Brut Vintage 2013 & Taittinger Brut Vintage 2014.
Taittinger Brut Vintage 2008: The 2008 season began with a frosty winter that affected the vines and resulted in a late bud burst. However, the weather in May improved resulting in fast-growing vines. Disease in the vineyards had to be controlled due to regular damp conditions. However, a bright and warm summer created a harvest renowned for its liveliness and freshness. On the nose, yeasty bread aromas combine with an abundance of ripe fruits. The palate is full of lemon and mandarin hints with a freshness that continues throughout to the finish, lingering long with complex flavours.
Taittinger Brut Vintage 2013: The year 2013 stands out for a winter where temperatures fell below the ten-year average with periods of snow and freezing. Spring persisted with cool temperatures and was marked by heavy rainfall. Flowering began late in in July. An extremely sunny and warm summer helped the vines to offset these earlier delays. Harvest was late with Chardonnay picking beginning on October 1st. Maturity at harvest was very good, the Chardonnays combined notes of white flowers with citrus and hints of tropical fruits from the later September sunshine. They were powerful, structured and well-rounded with excellent length. The Pinots Noir grapes had good complexity with floral aromas of some yellow as well as the typical red fruit characters.
Taittinger Brut Vintage 2014: Pale radiant yellow with an abundance of fine bubbles rising to form a delicate persistent necklace. The first impression on the nose combines flintiness with yeasty bread aromas. This quickly gives way to a fine, intense, sweet fruitiness, of crystallized fruit scents of lemon and mandarin with a flowery touch of acacia honey. On the palate, the fruity attack is sublimely fresh and rich. The mid-palate is balanced, structured and smooth, releasing flavours of sugared pink grapefruit. The exceptional intensity of the finish is long, generous and complex.
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: 4 years on the lees
Dosage: 9 g/l
Taittinger Brut 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).