Personal advice
Comtes is the creamiest, most attractive of all Blanc de Blancs, and 2014 fully follows in the mineral direction of the 2013.
For Comtes de Champagne, the grapes come exclusively from the most renowned Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Le Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant and Oger. Taittinger can draw on its own vineyards, as the house owns 288 hectares of vines. Vinification follows a classic approach. Since 1988, oak barrels have been used selectively, with about one third new – however, their proportion plays only a minor role in Comtes de Champagne.
After a cold winter, spring starts late. Mid-April brings warm, sunny and dry weather. The grapes develop well under perfect summer conditions. Nevertheless, harvest is late and begins in October. Ripeness is good, as is acidity. Sometimes density is lacking due to rather high yields. However, the aromas are complex and fine. At the Côte des Blancs, the vintage is very good.
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A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin Cellar