Taittinger : Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2012

The minerality and power of a fine Blanc de Blancs champagne

The producer

The history of the Taittinger Champagne House began in the early 20th century. Ran by Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and his two children, Clovis and Vitalie, the Taittinger House has managed to preserve the 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 cover 288 hectares of vines and include 37 different crus. This makes Taittinger the third largest vineyard in the Champagne region. The entire vineyard holds the High Environmental Value certificate.

The wine

Taittinger's Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is made from grapes exclusively stemming from the five Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger). Stretching over a strip of barely 20 kilometres, this exceptional terroir owes its uniqueness to its chalky soil, which confers minerality, power and a rare aromatic finesse.

The vintage

The year 2012 was marked by its climatic instability. The winter frost gave way to a relatively mild spring, but punctuated by thunderstorms along with hail, which had an impact on the vineyard. The milder summer conditions ensured an optimal ripening of the grapes which, despite low yields, gave rise to a rich and balanced vintage champagne.

Vinification and ageing

Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, a rare and world-renowned cuvée, undergoes a very rigorous and long winemaking process. Only the purest juice from the first press is used. 5% of the wines used in the blend have been aged for 4 months in new oak barrels, one third of which are renewed each year, enhancing the toasty notes of the wine. Lastly, this exceptional champagne is patiently aged for ten years in the Gallo-Roman chalk cellars of the former Saint-Nicaise Abbey in Reims.

The blend

Chardonnay (100%).

Comtes de Taittinger Blanc de Blancs 2012 by Taittinger: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This clear and bright wine has a beautiful yellow colour with subtle golden highlights. The effervescence is lively and delicate.

Nose

The full nose blends fruity fragrances (Williams pears, apricots), pastry and brioche aromas (lemon meringue, nougat, almond) with delicious notes of candied citrus fruit. When aerated, the bouquet reveals its power while preserving a refreshing minerality.

Palate

Ample and sustained by a suave acidity, the palate is precise, structured, lively and showcases a rare aromatic purity.

Cellaring

The Comtes de Taittinger Blanc de Blancs 2012 can be laid down for several decades in order to express its full range of aromas.

Food and wine pairing

This fine Blanc de Blancs champagne will pair with a seafood, shellfish or fish-based starter.

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve at 11°C.