Champagne Taittinger - Brut Reserve

Taittinger Brut Réserve: A Sophisticated and Balanced Champagne Experience

Introduction

For discerning champagne enthusiasts, the Taittinger Brut Réserve is a classic cuvée that embodies the house's signature style. This meticulously crafted non-vintage champagne boasts a subtle blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, resulting in a light, elegant, and beautifully balanced expression.

This detailed tasting note will delve into the captivating characteristics of Taittinger Brut Réserve, exploring its aroma, flavour profile, and ideal food pairings.

Grape Composition and Vinification

The Taittinger Brut Réserve is a testament to the expertise of the Taittinger family. The champagne is composed of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier grapes, meticulously sourced from over 35 different vineyards across the Champagne region. This diverse selection of crus (vineyards) contributes to the wine's complexity and well-rounded character.

Following the traditional Champagne method, the grapes undergo a meticulous pressing to extract only the first press must, known for its superior quality. The wine then undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, preserving the delicate fruit character of the grapes.

A crucial aspect of the Taittinger Brut Réserve is the inclusion of a portion of reserve wines. These wines, sourced from previous vintages, add depth and complexity to the final blend, ensuring consistency in the house style from year to year.

The champagne undergoes a minimum of three to four years of ageing on the lees (spent yeast cells) in the cool cellars of Taittinger. This process allows the flavours to develop further, resulting in a beautifully integrated and harmonious champagne.

Tasting Profile

Aroma:

• Initial Impression: The Taittinger Brut Réserve greets the nose with a delightful bouquet of fresh citrus notes, such as lemon zest and grapefruit.
• Secondary Aromas: As the champagne opens up, delicate floral notes of white flowers, such as acacia and honeysuckle, emerge. Hints of orchard fruits like pear and apple add further complexity.
• Tertiary Aromas: With further swirling, subtle nuances of brioche, honey, and toast, indicative of the ageing on lees, become apparent.

Flavour:

• Palate Entry: The first sip of Taittinger Brut Réserve is invigorating, with a lively mousse (tiny bubbles) that dances on the tongue. The balanced acidity provides a refreshing structure, while the creamy texture from the lees ageing adds richness and depth.
• Mid-Palate: Flavours of citrus fruits, white flowers, and hints of orchard fruits dominate the mid-palate. The subtle toasty notes from the lees ageing add complexity, without overpowering the delicate fruit character.
• Finish: The finish is crisp and clean, with a lingering minerality that leaves a pleasant dryness on the palate.

Food Pairing

The versatility of Taittinger Brut Réserve makes it an excellent choice for a variety of food pairings.

• Appetisers: This champagne pairs beautifully with light appetisers, such as oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon canapés, and delicate white meats.
• Seafood: The refreshing acidity and citrus notes of the Brut Réserve complement a wide range of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, poached lobster, and sushi.
• Creamy Sauces: The rich texture of the champagne can stand up to creamy sauces, making it a great choice for dishes like pasta with Alfredo sauce or chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce.
• Poultry: Roasted chicken or turkey with herbal seasonings finds a perfect match in the balanced acidity and subtle fruitiness of the Brut Réserve.
• Cheese: Pair this champagne with a selection of mild cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, or Comté, for a delightful contrast between the creamy cheese and the refreshing bubbles.

Conclusion

Taittinger Brut Réserve is a remarkable expression of the Taittinger house style. This champagne, with its elegant and balanced profile, is ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying as an aperitif. Its versatility with food makes it a perfect choice for a variety of culinary experiences.