Taittinger Brut Millésimé is produced from selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in vineyards in several of the finest microclimates of the Champagne region. It is produced only in vintage years when the harvest yields fruit of excellence equal to Taittinger’s rigorous standards of quality. The Chardonnay grapes are harvested from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Pinot Noir comes from the Grands Crus of Montagne de Reims and the edge of Vallée de la Marne. Following harvest, the grapes are pressed immediately in press houses located among the vineyards, yielding a first pressing which is the only juice used for this wine. At the winery, fermentation takes place under temperature-controlled conditions. Blending occurs after the primary fermentation, and thereafter the final cuvée undergoes the secondary fermentation in the bottle in Taittinger’s cool cellars. Aged for five years on the lees, the wine acquires complexity and the fine, pinpoint bubbles characteristic of its sparkle.

91 Points
Wine Spectator
2013 vintage
95 Points
i-winereview.com
2013 vintage
Harvest Note
2013 began with a rather cold witner and saw several periods of snow. Temperatures were often below the 10-year average but did not cause any significant damage. Spring was marked by a lack of sunshine and temperatures that were well below normal. Beginning in July, the weather became more favorable, with above average temperatures. Unfortunately, the area saw a few hail storms that caused significant damage. In August, the temperatures normalized and September was rather sunny mixed with a few days of rain. Harvesting began in the end of September and went through the beginning of October. Despite the late harvest, the maturity of the grapes is unexpectedly very satisfying.
Tasting Note
Fine, crisp and fresh, with aromas associated with citrus, yellow grapefruit and priest's pear. The mouth is fine, chiseled, very bright & fresh, with a lot of precision. The wine offers a nice balance between structure and finesse. The finish is complex, elegant and long.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with a fish or seafood platter.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Champagne
PH: 3.03
ACIDITY: 4.45 g/L
ABV: 12.5%
DOSAGE: 9 g
AGING: Aged in bottle more than 5 years
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 9.45 g/l
Unique Selling Points
  • A classic vintage Champagne produced from equal parts of black and white grapes
  • Produced only in exceptional vintage years

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.
Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
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