Taittinger – The Charm of Chardonnay
Taittinger is one of the most celebrated family-owned producers in the Champagne region. Founded in 1734 by Jacques Fourneaux, Taittinger has become synonymous with elegance, finesse, and the distinctive charm of Chardonnay. Today, the house embodies a fruity, creamy style that has earned it a place among the greatest names in Champagne. Its flagship wine, the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, is a benchmark for collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. We at Alfavin think that despite a very good range, Comtes de Champagne is really the only wine in the Taittinger portfolio that satisfies the standards of the most demanding connoisseurs.
Character and Style
Taittinger Champagnes express a balance of charm, fruit purity, and a silky palate. Notes of white flowers, citrus, peach, almond, and brioche define the house style. The Comtes de Champagne reflects this signature elegance but adds a crystalline minerality and tension drawn from the chalky slopes of Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs
The prestige cuvée of the house is produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the five Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs – Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Cramant, and Oger. It represents the essence of a true Blanc de Blancs: mineral, precise, full-bodied, and beautifully textured, with extraordinary aging potential.
In its youth, Comtes de Champagne reveals aromas of lemon, exotic fruit, vanilla, toast, and roasted almonds, lifted by the characteristic minerality of the Côte des Blancs. Over time, it gains complex layers of hazelnut, caramel, and coffee, resulting in remarkable depth and longevity.
With a minimum of eight years on the lees and a low dosage, this Champagne achieves perfect harmony – rich, creamy, yet vibrant. It is a Chardonnay Champagne that captivates early and matures gracefully over decades.
Winemaking and Aging
The grapes come from Taittinger’s own plots in the top Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. After primary fermentation in stainless steel, about 10% of the base wines are vinified in oak barrels to add structure and subtle spice. The oak use remains discreet, preserving the purity and brightness of Chardonnay.
The wines then age in Taittinger’s historic chalk cellars of Saint-Nicaise in Reims – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, 18 meters underground, the Comtes de Champagne develops its hallmark fine mousse and creamy texture, admired by Champagne enthusiasts at Alfavin and beyond.
History of Comtes de Champagne
The Comtes de Champagne was among the first prestige cuvées made entirely from Chardonnay. The inaugural 1952 vintage was released in the 1960s and named after Thibault IV, Count of Champagne, who in the 13th century brought Chardonnay vines from the Near East to France. Since then, this cuvée has stood as a symbol of timeless elegance and longevity. Well-stored bottles from 1952 or 1959 still display remarkable freshness and complexity today.
Comtes de Champagne Rosé
The Comtes de Champagne Rosé blends 60–70% Pinot Noir (including 12–14% Bouzy still red wine) with 30–40% Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. The result is a refined yet powerful Rosé Champagne with aromas of red berries, plum, vanilla, and brioche. Around 5% of the base wines are oak-aged, adding depth and a subtle toastiness. The finish is long, smoky, and elegant. The first vintage, 1971, was released in 1982 and has since become one of the most sought-after prestige rosés in the world.
The Best Comtes de Champagne Vintages
Top vintages include 2005 for its nutty richness, 2006 for apple tart and power, and 2004 for precision and elegance. 2000 and 2002 are both showing beautifully today. Recent vintages like 2012 and 2013 are already a pleasure to drink, while 2008 is best left to mature further. For the Rosé, 2012, 2009, 2007, 2006, and 2005 are all excellent choices for drinking now, with 2008 promising exceptional aging potential.
The House of Taittinger
Taittinger is one of the few remaining large Champagne houses still under family ownership. In 1932, Pierre Taittinger acquired the historic Forest-Fourneaux estate, giving rise to the modern house of Taittinger. Today, Vitalie Taittinger, daughter of Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, leads the maison with creativity, passion, and dedication to quality.
With approximately 288 hectares of vineyards, Taittinger ranks among the largest vineyard-owning producers in Champagne and is one of the few capable of crafting its prestige cuvées entirely from estate-grown grapes. At Alfavin, we select the finest vintages to showcase the full expression of this legendary house.
Conclusion
The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne stands as an icon among Blanc de Blancs – elegant, refined, and enduring. It unites the mineral depth of the Côte des Blancs with the signature finesse of a great Champagne house. For collectors and lovers of exceptional Chardonnay Champagne, Taittinger is an essential name. Discover selected vintages and prestige cuvées of Taittinger Champagne online at Alfavin – your destination for fine Champagne.
