The historic Champagne house Taittinger has presented its latest vintage release — the Brut Millésimé 2016 — a cuvée that exemplifies precision, balance, and the timeless savoir-faire of one of Champagne’s few remaining family-owned maisons.
Crafted from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes sourced from some of the most prestigious crus of the region, this vintage marks another milestone in the house’s pursuit of purity and elegance.
A Vintage Defined by Harmony
The 2016 vintage in Champagne was a challenging yet rewarding year, characterized by unpredictable weather and a late burst of sunshine that allowed grapes to reach perfect ripeness. For Taittinger, the result is a wine that unites freshness and depth — a faithful reflection of its terroirs.
The Brut Millésimé 2016 is composed of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay, with 70% of the fruit drawn from Grand Cru vineyards and the remaining 30% from Premier Crus across the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. The two regions provide a complementary duality: the chalky soils and finesse of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs balance the power, structure, and red fruit generosity of Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims.
After more than five years of aging in Taittinger’s cellars, the wine emerges as a harmonious blend of freshness, complexity, and precision, now at its optimal stage of maturity.
Aromatic Nuance and Textural Elegance
In the glass, the 2016 Brut Millésimé immediately captivates with its refined bouquet — white flowers, pear, and kumquat, complemented by hints of verbena, gingerbread, and menthol. Subtle notes of brioche and minerality reveal the extended lees aging, while the texture remains pure and vibrant.
On the palate, the entry is fresh and dynamic, showcasing flavors of peach, citrus, and delicate floral tones. The structure is well-defined yet graceful, with bitter orange peel and chalky minerality adding lift to a long, lingering finish.
It is a Champagne of balance rather than opulence, designed to express terroir character rather than cellar dominance — true to Taittinger’s stylistic identity.
Gastronomic Versatility
Taittinger positions its 2016 Brut Millésimé as both an aperitif Champagne and a versatile companion at the table. Its freshness and subtle fruit profile pair elegantly with:
- Cured ham or aged cheese, for savory contrast.
- Prawns or scallop carpaccio, to highlight saline delicacy.
- Salmon, John Dory, or tuna, which harmonize with the wine’s textural depth.
With a recommended retail price of €81, it offers an entry point into the world of vintage Champagne — where craftsmanship and terroir meet patience and precision.
Taittinger’s Heritage and Commitment
Led by Vitalie Taittinger, the maison remains one of Champagne’s few large, independent, family-owned houses. It owns 288 hectares of vineyards, making it the second-largest vineyard owner in Champagne, with nearly half classified as Grands Crus or Premiers Crus.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Taittinger’s philosophy. The vineyards and winemaking operations are certified under HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale), VDC (Viticulture Durable en Champagne), and ISO 14001, reflecting a long-term commitment to preserving biodiversity and reducing environmental impact.
Beneath the surface, Taittinger’s cellars lie deep within the ancient Roman chalk quarries and the ruins of the Saint-Nicaise Abbey in Reims — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, at a constant temperature, wines rest for years, some for more than a decade, developing the complexity and refinement that define the house’s signature style.
A Range Defined by Refinement
The 2016 Brut Millésimé joins a distinguished collection that includes Brut Réserve, Prestige Rosé, and the celebrated Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs and Comtes de Champagne Rosé. Other cuvées such as Prélude Grands Crus, Folies de la Marquetterie, and Nocturne Rosé showcase the house’s range from aperitif freshness to late-night elegance.
Each wine embodies Taittinger’s enduring vision: to craft Champagnes that combine clarity, delicacy, and lasting balance, while ensuring that the Champagne region itself thrives for generations to come.
Source: Vinetur