Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
75cl * Vegan & Organic * 12.5% ABV * Champagne, France
Taittinger is one of Champagne’s oldest houses and one of the few to be owned and actively managed by the family on the label. The original house was founded in 1734 and acquired by Pierre Taittinger in 1931. Today, his great grandchildren Vitalie and Clovis are at the helm. Taittinger owns 288 hectares of vineyards, making it the third largest domaine owner in the region. It sits upon 4th-century UNESCO-listed cellars, which once belonged to the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of St Nicaise, where the Comtes de Champagne wines are still hand-turned by the ‘remeur’ on the traditional racks or ‘pupitres’.
This rosé champagne comprises 30% Chardonnay Grands Crus from the most prestigious Côte des Blancs terroirs, combined with 70% Pinot Noir Grands Crus sourced from the Montagne de Reims. The 2009 vintage presents an accomplished and brilliant expression that is both sun-drenched and light at the same time.
On the nose, there are notes of Morello cherry, blood orange and vineyard peach, with a lovely hint of minerality. This leads into wild strawberry compote and candied citrus fruit on the palate, held taut by a superb chalky acidity and exquisite freshness.
A beautiful colour of bronze and orange with some pink at the end. Aromas of dried strawberry and orange peel with orange blossom and other flowers. Medium to full body with a round, creamy texture, very fine bubbles and a lovely, long finish. Plenty of subtle pie-crust and biscuit flavours at the end. Yet it remains so complex. Very vinous. Drink or hold. James Suckling 99 points