Comtes de Champagne Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs 2013
Trade Tools
France / Champagne
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. Of the wines that make up its composition, 5% have been aged for four months in oak barrels, one third of which are replaced each year, 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.
95 Points
The Wine Independent
2013 vintage
96 Points
Jeb Dunnuck
2013 vintage
Harvest Note
In 2013 the grapes were slow to ripen, which is why this was one of the last vintages harvested in October. Spring arrived late after a particularly long and cold winter. Meanwhile, mid-April was exceptionally hot, dry and sunny with over 800 hours of sunshine – unprecedented in Champagne country! The grapes developed with a new-found impetus. Some light rainfall in early September helped the clusters increase in size and ripen at an accelerated rate.
Tasting Note
Crystal clear, with a beautiful golden shimmer through colors of straw yellow and reflections of gold; the bead is fine, delicate and lively. The vintage captivates a blend of ripe citrus fruit flavors with pastry notes. The nose is fresh, smooth, and reveals a natural expression of radiant flavors. On the palate, the wine's effervescence unfurls into an invigorating sensation. It tightens up on the finish to leave a lingering taste imbued with ginger and licorice. Possessing a natural delicacy, this Comtes de Champagne 2013 extends its energy with dynamism and a striking purity of aromas.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Côte des Blancs Grand Crus
PH: 3.06
ACIDITY: 4.62 g/l
ABV: 12.5%
DOSAGE: 9 g/l
AGING: Aged for 10 years on the lees in 13th-century chalk cellars.
Unique Selling Points
- The wine for celebrations!
- The ultimate expression of the Taittinger style
- Produced only in exceptional vintage years
- Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes from the top vineyards of the prestigious Côte des Blancs
“If only once in your life . . . Comtes de Champagne Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs.”
Vitalie Taittinger, President
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
