Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2012
A family-operated Grande Marque renowned for its glorious Comtes de Champagne prestige cuvée
Grape Makeup:
100% Chardonnay
Sweetness Level:
Brut
Ageing on Lees:
10 years
Price:
$$$
Cellar:
10+ years
Category:
Collectible
Photos
What
A family-operated grand marque founded in 1931, also one of the ten largest, known for the Comtes de Champagne, one of the most heavily traded champagnes on the market.
Where
Reims; 288 hectares of estate vineyards (the largest family-owned holding in Champagne), mainly in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, covering nearly half the house’s needs; Comtes de Champagne comes exclusively from the five Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger.
Why
Despite consistently being one of the most traded names in champagne, the price point of CdC remains relatively (and that is very relative) accessible, especially compared to top grower cuvées. Its lacy, classical profile, derived from chardonnay grown on chalk, comes through brilliantly in the extreme, high-tension 2012 vintage, unperturbed, radiant and airy as ever.
What Else
The Vintage Brut 2015 shows off the ability of the house to find delicacy and lyricism even in a more forceful, heat-driven vintage. The Folies de la Marquetterie is always among my favourites for its tightrope balancing of sexy, ozone-tinged reduction and rich preserved citrus tanginess.
Tasting Notes
The ultra-delicate nose melds a gentle zephyr of smoke and ozone, oceanic notes and with tones of lemon peel and lemongrass beneath. There is a lovely, pealing freshness on the front, with pure yuzu fruit, fully dimensional and almost palpable. The fruit gains a little bit of richness on the mid palate – picking up the notes from the nose – without compromising its tonality or acidity. It finishes with the tiniest hint of chalky texture, fresh acidity and a tonic swipe of bitterness.
Try It With
Pure-flavoured raw seafood like hamachi.
When To Drink
Apéritif or cold entrées.
Perfect For
The arch-classicist.
Tatler Tip
This is the best special occasion wine for somebody who loves classic-style, lean Blanc de Blancs.
TL/DR
Intricate, refined and fresh.
Supplier
Fine Vintage
