Taittinger
History and Background
The story of Taittinger begins in 1734 when Jacques Fourneaux established a wine business. It was not until almost two centuries later, in 1931, that the Taittinger name became closely associated with the brand. It was in this year that Pierre Taittinger, a young and visionary businessman who had served as a liaison officer in the Champagne region during the First World War, purchased the Forest-Fourneaux estate from the wine merchant family that had owned it since the 18th century. Inspired deeply by the history and terroirs of Champagne, Pierre's acquisition marked the transformation of the company.
In 1932, Pierre Taittinger established the brand in its current form, and renamed the company after his own family, emphasizing the personal investment and family passion invested in their wines. The Taittinger family's passion for history is evident in their preservation of historical sites, notably the former Abbey of Saint-Nicaise, constructed during the 13th century in Reims. While this abbey’s remnants were mostly destroyed during the French Revolution, its historic cellars, dating back to the 13th century, were incorporated by the Taittinger family into their wine cellars. Pierre's involvement in this adds a layer of depth and resonance to the Taittinger brand, connecting it to a rich regional and cultural heritage.
Taittinger has been a consistent pioneer, led by Pierre's vision and later his descendants. Claude Taittinger, Pierre’s son, took over in 1960 and led the firm with great success, enhancing its global reputation. In 2005, the house saw a brief change in ownership when it was sold to an investment group; however, the Taittinger family regained control in 2006, underlining their dedication to maintaining the integrity and family-driven direction of their heritage champagne house.
Vineyards and Terroir
Taittinger controls a significant estate in the Champagne region, which includes a particularly notable presence in the prestigious Côte des Blancs area. This region is celebrated for its unique terroir traits:
The vineyards owned by Taittinger in the Côte des Blancs are primarily composed of chalky soils. This geological characteristic is crucial as it offers excellent drainage and imparts a distinct minerality to the wines, contributing to their crisp and refined flavor profile. These chalky soils are particularly beneficial for Chardonnay vines, reflecting in the vibrant and pure expression of this grape in Taittinger's Champagnes.
Taittinger places a significant emphasis on Chardonnay, more so than many other producers in Champagne. Chardonnay, characteristically grown in the Côte des Blancs, is prized for its ability to add elegance, lightness, and finesse to the wine. This focus on Chardonnay is a defining trait of Taittinger’s style. Nonetheless, Taittinger also cultivates Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, predominantly in other parts of the Champagne region like the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne. These varieties contribute structure, body, and fruitiness, offering a well-rounded palette and complexity to the blends.
Wine Style and Production
Taittinger is celebrated for producing Champagnes that are distinguished by their elegance, finesse, and delicate complexity. Their commitment to using a significant proportion of Chardonnay in their blends imparts this distinctive lightness and vibrancy. The flagship cuvée, Comtes de Champagne, is an exemplary Blanc de Blancs, highlighting the pure elegance of Chardonnay from grand cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and is only produced in outstanding vintages. Furthermore, Taittinger's dedication to extended aging, often well beyond the legal requirement, allows its wines to achieve added depth and character, enriching the overall complexity and enhancing the sensory experience of their Champagnes.
Reputation
Taittinger is known for its steadfast devotion to both quality and tradition in its production of Champagne. Known for their premium cuvées such as the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, their wines are often celebrated for their exceptional balance, elegance, and potential for aging. Underlining its reputation, Taittinger insists on a high proportion of Chardonnay in its blends, which is somewhat of a signature style contributing to the finesse and vivacity of its Champagnes. The house also has a commendable dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the Champagne region, not only through traditional winemaking techniques but also by maintaining historical sites, including their own storied cellars originally built in the 13th century by Benedictine monks. Taittinger's commitment to excellence is reflected in their meticulous vineyard management and respectful approach to the environment.
Final Thoughts
Taittinger is synonymous with tradition and quality in the Champagne region. Through a combination of respect for their historical roots, a deep understanding of the Champagne terroir, and a commitment to producing wines of elegance and character, Taittinger has solidified its position as one of the iconic Champagne houses. For those seeking the epitome of Champagne, Taittinger offers a harmonious blend of history, art, and exceptional quality.