TaittingerComtesdeChampagneRose2012

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. Wine-making 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, 14% 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. This 2012 vintage presents an accomplished and brilliant Comtes de Champagne Rosé, with a signature that is both sun-drenched and light at the same time. Unique and produced from the finest limestone terroirs in Champagne.rrWeather: The year 2012 has proven to be an excellent Champagne vintage. This highly contrasting 2012 vintage was characterised by a succession of climatic events that made for particularly challenging conditions for the vines. A mild spell in February was followed by periods of frost in March and again in May with the added impact of hailstorms affecting multiple regions between April and July. Strong periods of sunshine then ensued, without excessive heat levels. This, coupled with low yields allowed for a rare level of maturity and led to the emergence of a harmonious and balanced Comtes de Champagne.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Pinot Noir: Bouzy | Chardonnay: Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger | Red Wine: BouzyrGrape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay | inc. 14% Red WinerLees Ageing: 12 YearsrDosage: 9 g/lrDisgorged: October 2024rDrink: Now to 2044rrTasting Note: Dense and rich, the nose entices with its iodised notes and its precision. During aeration the bouquet unveils fruity (black fruit, cherry) and floral (acacia blossom) fragrances. Delicious notes of gingerbread, mandarin peel, mint and licorice combine with refreshing scents of sweet spice (turmuric, saffron). A subtly fruity and delicate attack give way to a palate that is full and with silky tannins. The minerality of the Chardonnay brings this rosé champagne a subtle combination of aromatic finesse, freshness and fruity expression.