Produced only in exceptional vintage years and intended as the ultimate expression of the Taittinger style, this wine is composed entirely of Chardonnay grapes grown in the top vineyards of the prestigious Côte des Blancs. Only the first press juice is used. A small proportion (5%) of the blend spends three to four months in new oak barrels, enhancing the intrinsic qualities of the final blend. Prior to disgorgement, the Blanc de Blancs is aged for 10 years on the lees in 13th-century chalk cellars that were once the property of Saint Nicaise abbey.

THE VINTAGE

The volume of the 2012 harvest was affected by the combination of climatic vagaries which it experienced throughout the season, such as winter and spring frosts and hail. However, the climatic conditions that allowed for the maturation of the grapes were exceptional, owing to the dry and sunny months of August and September. The grape-harvest took place from September 17th to 30th. It was marked by a few particularly cold mornings. The quality of the grapes harvested allows for the creation of wines of a great aromatic delicacy. The Chardonnays are complex, with their nose of white flowers and citrus fruits. In the mouth, they are very fresh, lively, balanced, with a generous finish.

TASTING NOTES

Notes of candied citrus fruits, Williams pears and apricots. This Comtes de Champagne unveils pastry and brioche aromas, including lemon meringue, nougat, and almond.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietals: 100% Chardonnay

Appellation: Assembled from the 5 villages with a Grands Crus classification for the Chardonnay grape (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger)

Aging: Up to 10 years in the chalk quarries beneath Saint-Nicaise