Taittinger : Collection Sebastiao Salgado 2008

A lively, well-balanced vintage champagne with great aromatic richness by Taittinger

The estate

The history of the Taittinger Champagne House began in the early 20th century. Led by Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and his two children, Clovis and Vitalie, the Taittinger House has managed to preserve its family spirit by producing champagnes that are resolutely Chardonnay in style. Since January 1st 2020, Vitalie Taittinger is the President of the Taittinger Champagne House.

The vineyard

The vineyards of the Taittinger Champagne House spreads across 288 hectares of vines and include 37 different crus. This makes Taittinger the third largest vineyard in the Champagne region. The entire vineyard bears the High Environmental Value certificate.

The wine

Since 1983, the Taittinger Champagne House has ushered in collaborations between contemporary artists and a fine vintage wine in order to create a unique and timeless work of art. Taittinger's 2008 Sebastiao Salgado Collection is adorned with one of the famous Brazilian photographer's piece, a leopard drinking from the Barab River Valley in Namibia.

The vintage

A rainy, mild winter preceded a dull spring marked by frost in some areas. Despite some coulure and millerandage signs recorded around mid-June, the vegetative cycle proceeded steadily until the harvest which began on September 12th. The grapes harvested at optimum ripeness were healthy. The finesse and minerality of the Chardonnay grapes are combined with the vivacity and aromatic richness of the Pinot Noir variety.

Vinification and ageing

Produced only in exceptional years, this vintage wine is aged in cellars for several years in order to develop its complexity and aromatic potential.

The blend

Made exclusively from the first press, the Sebastiao Salgado Collection 2008 by Taittinger comprises a blend of Chardonnay (50%) from the Grands Crus in the Côte des Blancs and Pinot Noir (50%) from Grands Crus in the Montagne de Reims and the Marne Valley.

The tasting

Nose

Intense and mineral, the nose mixes floral fragrances with delicious citrus notes (lemon, grapefruit).

Palate

Lively and refreshing, the palate is seduced by this champagne’s vinosity, its richness and its fruity aromatic framework. The finish is refreshing and long.

Food and wine pairing

Enjoy as an aperitif, this vintage wine goes perfectly with fish served with a sauce or lobster thermidor.