In 1932, Pierre Taittinger, whose family, originally from Lorraine, had already been cultivating vines in Champagne since 1870, acquired the Château de la Marquetterie in Pierry and its vineyards. Fascinated by this property after having stayed there as a soldier during the First World War, he bought the Château from the Fourneaux family. Jacques Fourneaux had been working in the wine trade since 1734 in partnership with the Benedictine monks. The Taittinger family also acquired cellars - Gallo-Roman chalk pits - dug in the 4th century and located in the city of Reims. In feudal times, the Saint-Nicaise Abbey was built in these cellars. When it was destroyed, the cellars were used to store bottles of Champagne. When Pierre died, his third son, François, took over the reins. When the latter died in an accident, it was his elder brother's turn to take over the business until 2005. Since then, it is the son, Pierre-Emmanuel, surrounded by his two children Vitalie and Clovis, who is the enthusiastic and modern manager of the family business. The latter - a world-famous brand name - is the guarantor of a wine-growing tradition that is almost a thousand years old and at the same time a vision for the future. Pierre-Emmanuel's primary desire is to constantly perfect the quality of Taittinger Champagnes, representing finesse and elegance at happy events or special occasions.
There are many vintages, from the Brut Réserve to the Comtes de Champagne, all irreproachable, of an exemplary classicism in Champagne, where the distinctive sign is softness and refinement. The 288 hectares of vines are cultivated using sustainable agriculture, without any pesticides and with the help of ploughs pulled by Ardennes horses. 40% of the overall production is made up of the Chardonnay grape variety, a very high rate that gives Champagne Taittinger its exceptional smoothness. Since 1983, some bottles have been fully dressed by famous artists. The latest is a work of Pop Art, painted by the American Robert Rauschenberg.
The Brut Réserve cuvée has a creamy and light side. Its robe is light golden yellow. The aromas of white peach, citrus fruits, chalk and fine brioche are very present. It has a good length in the mouth. The Taittinger style is there, fruity but elegant, the bubbles are fine and brilliant, all forming a beautiful balance.
To be enjoyed with a lobster swim, oysters with Champagne sabayon or a Chaource cheese.
