TaittingerBrutVintage2012Magnum

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 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Relatively low yields due to various weather conditions throughout the year. The winter months brought some frosts and hail which damaged the early stages of bud burst. August and September were very warm and this helped rescue and give the grapes a stunning maturity. 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% ChardonnayrAgeing: 6 years on the leesrDisgorged: 2017rDosage: 9 g/lrDrink: Now to 2030+rrTasting Note: Pale radiant yellow with an abundance of fine bubbles rising to form a delicate persistent necklace. The first impression on the nose combines flintiness with yeasty bread aromas. This quickly gives way to a fine, intense, sweet fruitiness, of crystallized fruit scents of lemon and mandarin with a flowery touch of acacia honey. On the palate, the fruity attack is sublimely fresh and rich. The mid-palate is balanced, structured and smooth, releasing flavours of sugared pink grapefruit. The exceptional intensity of the finish is long, generous and complex.