Buy Taittinger: The Ultimate Guide to Champagne
If you are looking for a premium champagne that combines elegance, finesse and balance, you should buy Taittinger. Taittinger is one of the oldest and most prestigious champagne houses in France, with a history that dates back to the 17th century. Taittinger produces a range of champagnes for different occasions and tastes, from the crisp and refreshing Brut Réserve to the complex and refined Comtes de Champagne.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Taittinger, including its history, its production methods, its styles and its food pairings. We will also give you some tips on how to buy Taittinger online or in-store, and how to store and serve it properly. Whether you are a champagne connoisseur or a novice, this guide will help you enjoy Taittinger to the fullest.
The History of Taittinger
Taittinger traces its origins to the Forest-Fourneaux family, who established a wine business in Champagne in 1734. In 1932, Pierre Taittinger, a young cavalry officer who had fallen in love with the region during World War I, bought the company and renamed it after himself. He also acquired the Château de la Marquetterie, a historic property that had belonged to the writer and philosopher Voltaire.
Pierre Taittinger had a vision of creating a champagne that was light and delicate, with a high proportion of Chardonnay grapes. He was inspired by the wines of Burgundy, where he had grown up. He hired talented winemakers who shared his philosophy and developed a distinctive style that became the hallmark of Taittinger.
Over the years, Taittinger expanded its vineyards and cellars, and became one of the largest and most respected champagne houses in the world. It also diversified into other businesses, such as hotels and restaurants. Today, Taittinger is still owned and managed by the Taittinger family, who are committed to preserving its heritage and quality.
The Production of Taittinger
Taittinger owns 288 hectares of vineyards in some of the best crus of Champagne, such as Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne. It also sources grapes from over 800 growers who follow strict quality standards. Taittinger uses mainly Chardonnay grapes (40% of its production), which give its champagnes their elegance and freshness. It also uses Pinot Noir (35%) and Pinot Meunier (25%) for body and structure.
Taittinger follows the traditional method of champagne production, which involves two fermentations: one in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, and another in bottles. The bottles are then aged in underground cellars for at least three years (and up to ten years for some cuvées) to develop complexity and maturity. The bottles are also riddled (rotated) and disgorged (removing the sediment) by hand or by machine. The final touch is adding a dosage (a mixture of wine and sugar) to adjust the sweetness level of the champagne.
The Styles of Taittinger
Taittinger produces a variety of champagnes for different occasions and preferences. Here are some of its most popular styles:
- Brut Réserve: This is the signature champagne of Taittinger, representing 80% of its production. It is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier from over 35 different crus. It has a pale golden color, fine bubbles and aromas of peach, white flowers and brioche. It is crisp, balanced and refreshing on the palate, with flavors of apple, citrus and honey. It is perfect as an aperitif or with light dishes such as seafood or chicken.
- Prestige Rosé: This is a vibrant and fruity champagne that is made by adding 15% still red wine from Pinot Noir grapes to the Brut Réserve blend. It has a bright pink color, lively bubbles and aromas of raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant. It is lively, smooth and