Wine Advisor
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2012
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Description
In 1952, the Taittinger Champagne House created the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs - its most exclusive and premium cuvée - in honour of the Comtes de Champagne and in particular Thibaud IV, whose seal proudly adorns every bottle of Taittinger. It is made only with Chardonnay grapes from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs region, including the villages of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger, which all have a renowned soil quality for this particular variety in the region. "Small Quantity, Premium Quality" Taittinger’s own criteria govern the production of the Comtes de Champagne putting an emphasis on quality rather than quantity.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: William Kelley
The 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne is showing beautifully out of the gates, offering up demonstrative aromas of sweet golden orchard fruit, buttery croissants, peach and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and enveloping, it's a rich, textural, vinous Comtes somewhat reminiscent of the brilliant 2002. If it gains in tension and cut (as the 2002 did and as I suspect the 2012 will) with more time on cork, it will make this initial rating seem conservative.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2012 Comtes de Champagne is gorgeous. Warm and resonant in the glass, the 2012 Comtes shows all the allure that makes this vintage so appealing. The combination of bright citrus, mineral and floral notes typical of Comtes, enhanced by the soft contours of the vintage, makes for an inviting, open-knit Champagne that is quite showy right out of the gate. Light tropical accents on the finish add an exotic flair. Usually I recommend cellaring just-released Comtes, but that won’t be necessary here.
About the Producer
A Great Champagne House, which has quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious in the region, Taittinger is founded upon exceptional cuvees from the greatest terroirs of Champagne. The history of the Taittinger Champagne House begins at the beginning of the 20th century. Taittinger developed his brand’s identity gradually, building its identity upon a daring and innovative style. In 1932, Taittinger became one of the most important references among the great Champagne Houses. The noble Chardonnay became the emblematic grape variety of the House, producing brilliant wines full of finesse, elegance and an ethereal lightness. Since 2006, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, along with his daughter Vitalie and his son Clovis, has been at the helm of the business started by his ancestors. Thanks to the great commitment of a united and dedicated family, Taittinger has maintained a winning spirit and a certain consistency of style, marking this beautiful Champagne House. The Taittinger Champagne House boasts a wealth of very precious and rare vineyards. In order to preserve the invaluable genetic heritage that is the signature of the Taittinger brand, the estate has chosen mass selection for more than 90% of its vines. In addition to Pinot Noir (48%) and Pinot Meunier (15%), a pride of place is given to Chardonnay (37%), the variety that leaves its print most significantly on the cuvées of the House.
