Taittinger
Taittinger remains one of the few Champagne Houses to be owned and actively managed by the family named on the label. Its origins date back to 1734 when the original house was founded by Jacques Fourneaux. The Taittinger link was established in 1931 when Pierre Taittinger, the founder of today’s company acquired the House. Pierre spent time in the Champagne region when serving in the 1st world war as a young cavalry officer. Stationed at the Château de la Marquetterie, he fell in love with this remarkable property and its vineyards and eventually purchased the company. Today, the Reims based House is headed up by Pierre’s great grandchildren Vitalie and Clovis, both of whom are actively involved in the day to day running of this thriving family Champagne House.
Château de la Marquetterie Taittinger’s home is situated above miles of chalk tunnels and cellars. These 4th century UNESCO listed cellars once belonged to the Benedictine monks of the abbey of St Nicaise and are perfect for the slow ageing process required for great Champagne.
The hallmark of the Taittinger Champagnes is the high percentage of Chardonnay used in their winemaking which can be anything from 40% in the Brut Réserve Non Vintage to 100% in the prestigious Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. This Chardonnay dominance provides for a style of elegance, delicacy and finesse which is recognised worldwide and has earned the House many accolades and awards over the years.
Today it is served in over 140 countries worldwide and made recent history by becoming the first Champagne house to purchase land in England to ultimately produce a premium English Sparkling Wine. This pioneering joint venture, Domaine Evremond, marks an exciting new time for the family and Hatch Mansfield its partner.