TaittingerComtesdeChampagneRose2008Magnum

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 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is a prestige cuvée made entirely from grapes sourced from the best vines in the prestigious Côte des Blancs and Montage de Reims regions. It is only produced when the harvest is of exceptional quality worthy of a vintage year. Winemaking methods involve strictly using just the first press juice and ageing 5% of the wines for four months in new oak barrels â€?a third of which are renewed every year â€?to enhance the intrinsic qualities and complexities of the final blend. The Pinot Noir grapes, 15% of which are made into red wine, originate from the famous vineyards of Bouzy. Presented in 18th century antique style bottles, this hand-crafted champagne is aged eighteen metres underground in the UNESCO status Saint-Nicaise cellars in Reims for a minimum of eight years before being released.rrWeather in 2008: After a rainy but mild winter without any prolonged cold spells, spring arrived with some very localised frosts. Cool weather returned in June and the infrequent sunshine prolonged the feeling of freshness. The spring to autumn weather was bright with sunny spells and the long, hot days and cool nights during September gave the grapes excellent acidity during the harvest period. The 2008 vintage is fast emerging as one of the best since the renowned and now-legendary 2002. Harvesting took place in the sunshine, though relatively cool temperatures, from 15 September to 10 October, which meant the grapes were ripe and very healthy.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Pinot Noir: Bouzy | Chardonnay: Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger | Red Wine: BouzyrGrape Varieties: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay | inc. 12% Red WinerLees Ageing: 12 YearsrDosage: 9 g/lrDrink: Now to 2031rrTasting Note: Classy nose full of Pinot Noir fruit of exotic spices, cherries and peach. The characterful Bouzy red wines shines through. Big structure with bold tannins but there is also big fruit behind, still in a reserved stage. Great acid structure and silky textural feel. Full on rich palate. So much concentration here. Shows evolution while still holding back a lot. Very correct yet full of character. A beautiful future Comte Rosé but this one still deserves plenty of time in the cellar.- Tasted by Essi Avellan MWrrTaittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose 2008 does not come in branded gift-box