THE CHAMPAGNE CHICK

The House of Champagne Taittinger, one of the few remaining family-owned and operated Grande Marque houses, was founded in 1734 its headquarters is situated in Reims on the site where the Saint Nicaise Abbey once stood.  Construction of the Abbey started in 1211, it was destroyed during the French Revolution and all that now remains are the underground caves.  Abandoned for 120 years, the site became the home of Champagne house Binet in the 1920’s and then the headquarters of Champagne Taittinger after the war.

The caves beneath Saint Nicaise is where Champagne Taittinger’s prestige cuvées Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs and Comtes de Champagne Rosé as well as certain large format bottles rest to mature, for Comtes and Comtes Rosé this is anywhere between 8 – 10 years.

I have visited the Taittinger cellars many, many times, so this time around skipped the introduction video and headed straight down the spiral staircase to the magnificent caves below. It is always special to visit the Taittinger cellars, even more so when being hosted by the charming Jean-Pierre.

The caves at Taittinger were dug during the 4^th century and the chalk was used in building and construction around Reims. During WW1 the caves and tunnels were used as a command centre and underground hospital by the French army and one can see many drawings and initials carved into the chalk by the French soldiers.

Today the House of Taittinger is run by its first woman-President, Vitalie Taittinger, daughter of the enigmatic Pierre-Emmanuel who retired at the end of 2019 handing over the baton to Vitalie.

Champagne Taittinger is a Chardonnay-driven house with this grape varietal predominant in all its cuvées. The flagship cuvées of the house is its Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs and Comtes de Champagne Rosé, two absolutely incredible champagnes that was the favorite of writer, Ian Fleming, featuring prominently in his Bond novels.

After our walk through Taittinger’s breathtaking cellars with Jean-Pierre we headed back upstairs to one of their private tasting rooms and were treated to the beautiful Comtes 2011 Bdb.

Champagne Taittinger is situated at 9 Place Saint Nicaise, Reims. All information on tours and visits can be found on their website. They are active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter if you’d like to follow them there.

Thank you Taittinger and Jean-Pierre for yet another memorable visit.

Pop, Fizz, Clink
Linn
The Champagne Chick
xo