TaittingerBrutVintage2016

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 2016 vintage was characterised by particularly marked weather variations: spring was cool, wet and relatively late whereas summer was warm and dry with a heatwave in late August followed by dry and sunny weather over the harvest period which was highly beneficial to the ripening of the grapes. Our Pinot noirs thrived in these dry, sunny conditions and the heat has given them an intensely fruity character and silky smooth texture. The Chardonnays are just as outstanding although more chiselled and saline in character. Harvests from 15 September to 1 October 2016. rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 70% Grand Cru & 30% Premier Cru | Pinot Noir: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne | Chardonnay: Côte des BlancsrGrape Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir & 50% ChardonnayrLees Ageing: 5 yearsrDisgorged: 2023rDosage: 9 g/lrDrink: Now to 2030+rrTasting Note: This toasty Champagne features flavors of lemon curd, brioche, glazed apricot and vanilla-infused pastry cream riding a fine, lively mousse. Well-meshed and creamy, animated by vibrant acidity through the spiced finish. â€?Tasted by Alison Napjus