TaittingerBrutVintage2003

Originally known as Forest-Fourneaux with history dating back to 1734 and in 1932 Pierre Taittinger bought the House and the Taittinger label was born. A century of incredible growth saw Taittinger become one of the biggest producers and today is one of the last big independent, family-owned Houses. Pierre-Emmanuel retired in 2019 and was succeeded as President by his daughter Vitalie. They own 288-hectares of vineyards and the Taittinger style is the high percentage of Chardonnay. In 2017 Taittinger received two environmental accreditations: the ‘Viticulture Durable en Champagneâ€?(Sustainable vine-growing in Champagne) and the Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE â€?High environmental sustainability.)rrTaittinger produce a vintage champagne only when the harvest has been of exceptional quality. Their Brut Vintage is always a blend of juice exclusively from the first pressing of the grapes and is aged for four years in the cellars, allowing the aromas to mature slowly and the length and complexity of the wine to develop. It consists of Chardonnay from Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs and Pinot Noir from Grand Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne.rrWeather:The 2003 vintage was one of pre-eminence: a year like no other, defined by extremes. The vineyard was first touched by severe spring frosts that left a lasting mark on the Champagne region before being struck with an unparalleled heatwave. As a result, the crop was perfectly ripe and healthy but left a particularly small harvest: this was the most precocious since 1822.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru | Pinot Noir: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne | Chardonnay: Côte des BlancsrGrape Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% ChardonnayrLees Ageing: 4 yearsrDisgorged: 2008rDosage: 12 g/lrAlcohol: 12.5%rDrink: Now to 5 yearsrrTasting Note: Maturing golden colour. Opulent nose showing more on Pinot aroma side with red apples and spices. The palate shows more complexity in the form of autolytic leesy softness. Big, mellow, wide open palate with ripe character. Generous and smooth-textured but refreshed by sufficient acidity. Tasted by Essi Avellan MW