Comtes de Champagne Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs 2008
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. 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.
Harvest Note
The 2008 vintage was warm yet fresh – the perfect expression of our continental climate in Champagne. Comtes 2008 embodies the contrast in climate between sunshine and cool temperatures, giving an intense, crystal-clear evocation of the chalky terroir of the Côte des Blancs Grands Crus from which it derives its identity, its appearance and its precision. The winter was very long and cold with little rainfall. The spring was mild and humid with little sunshine. The vines flowered in the first two weeks of June in fairly cool temperatures. The fruit ripened slowly and steadily, in similarly cool temperatures with some periods of rain. Harvesting took place in the sunshine, though relatively cool temperatures, from 15 September to 10 October, which meant the grapes were ripe and very healthy.
Tasting Note
This wine carries us away on aromas of pear, lime, white pepper and orange blossom, skillfully paired with slightly licoricey, toasted notes. The 2008 vintage is a Comtes de Champagne at its purest, frankest, most intense. With the vintage delivering a wonderful balance between finesse and concentration, you will be delighted by its aromas of white fruits, grapefruit and menthol over a delicately honeyed end note.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Champagne
PH: 3.04
ACIDITY: 4.65 g/l
ABV: 12.5%
DOSAGE: 9.8 g/l
AGING: Minimum 8 years on the lees
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
- Aged 10 years on the lees
“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.
