Champagne Taittinger

Champagne house in Reims, Montagne de Reims.

Village

Reims

Region

Montagne de Reims

Cuvées in the guide

32

Champagne​‌​ Taittinger, based in Reims, is one of the oldest and most respected family champagne houses, with a history going back to 1734 (as Forest-Fourneaux) and a takeover by the Taittinger family in 1932. The house is known for its independence, elegant style and prominent use of Chardonnay, and has been fully in family hands again since 2006 under the leadership of Vitalie Taittinger (president since 2019).

History and Heritage

The origins of the house lie in 1734, but its present identity arose when Pierre Taittinger took over ownership. After periods of family management and a brief sale to Starwood Capital in 2005, the house was bought back in 2006 for €660 million. Taittinger is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars" and makes use of historic cellars dating from the Gallo-Roman period (4th century) and later used by Benedictine monks.

Vineyards and Terroir

The estate has one of the largest vineyards in Champagne, with approximately 288 hectares spread over the Marne (Côte des Blancs, Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims) and the Aube. The grape varieties are distributed as follows:

• Chardonnay: 37-40% (central to the finesse of the house style)
• Pinot Noir: 45-48% (for structure and depth)
• Pinot Meunier: 15% (for roundness and fruitiness)
• Rare varieties: Small quantities of Arbanne and Petit Meslier are used for biodiversity.

The vineyards lie across 37 to 40 different crus, with a strong focus on Grand Cru locations in the Côte des Blancs.

Working Methods and Vinification

Taittinger takes a sustainable approach and uses biodynamic or ecological practices, such as sowing grass in approximately 90% of the vineyards for soil health. The vinification follows the traditional méthode champenoise, in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. A hallmark is the long ageing process on the lees:

• The prestigious Comtes de Champagne ages for at least 10 years in the limestone cellars of the Abbey of Saint-Nicaise.
• The team, including family members and the Tasting Committee, checks every blend to safeguard the unique "signature" of finesse and freshness.

Main Champagnes

The range varies from accessible blends to exceptional prestige cuvées:

• Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs: A prestigious champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs.
• Brut Réserve: The house style blend, consisting of approximately 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir/Meunier, known for its freshness and elegance.
• Comtes de Champagne Rosé: A rare rosé made from Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Folies de la Marquetterie: A first champagne made from the first pressing of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the vineyards around the Château de la Marquetterie.
• Prestige Rosé: A more accessible rosé blend known for its fruity character and fine bubbles.

Cuvées by Taittinger

Importers

Taittinger is imported by: Best of Wines, De Larense Wijnkoperij, Gall & Gall, Thiessen Wijnkoopers, Vanouds de Zwaan Wijnimporteurs.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying Taittinger: Best of Wines, Bottle Hero, Bovino, Cavissima, Christian Winecellars, De Larense Wijnkoperij, Gall & Gall, Goedkoop Drank Slijterij, L'Atelier du Champagne, Muselet, Perfecte Wijn B.V., Slijterij & Wijnhandel Madison, Slijterij Henk Peter, Vanouds de Zwaan Wijnimporteurs, Vinify, Wijnenwereld, Wijnhuis Eindhoven.

All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses