2016 Taittinger "Millésimé" Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Taittinger Brut Millésimé is produced from selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in vineyards in several of the finest microclimates of the Champagne region. It is produced only in vintage years when the harvest yields fruit of excellence equal to Taittinger’s rigorous standards of quality. The Chardonnay grapes are harvested from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Pinot Noir comes from the Grands Crus of Montagne de Reims and the edge of Vallée de la Marne. Following harvest, the grapes are pressed immediately in press houses located among the vineyards, yielding a first pressing which is the only juice used for this wine. At the winery, fermentation takes place under temperature-controlled conditions. Blending occurs after the primary fermentation, and thereafter the final cuvée undergoes the secondary fermentation in the bottle in Taittinger’s cool cellars. Aged for five years on the lees, the wine acquires complexity and the fine, pinpoint bubbles characteristic of its sparkle.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Champagne Taittinger is one of the few remaining family-owned Champagne houses, renowned for its extensive vineyard holdings, including Grand Cru sites in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Unlike most large producers, Taittinger relies primarily on estate-grown fruit and is known for its unusually high proportion of Chardonnay, which lends elegance and finesse to its wines. The house is also recognized for aging its Champagnes well beyond the minimum legal requirements.

François Taittinger, son of founder Pierre Taittinger, established the house style of delicacy and refinement. Under his leadership, Taittinger expanded its vineyards and increased Chardonnay plantings to 37%, well above the regional average. Working alongside legendary cellar master Roger Lénique, he set rigorous quality standards, using only the finest first-press juice and aged Champagnes in the dosage to craft exceptionally elegant, dry wines.

Today, the house remains family-run under the leadership of Vitalie and Clovis Taittinger, great-grandchildren of the founder.