The colour is a brilliant, pale yellow with silvery highlights, reflective of the high proportion of Chardonnay. The bubbles are fine and form a lasting and delicately creamy mousse. The nose is subtle and fresh. The initial mineral aromas quickly develop into green, floral scents with hints of elderflower and spicy cinnamon overtones. Flavours are dominated by intense fresh citrus fruit which then give way to much fuller, well-bodied and mellow taste with flavours reminiscent of white peaches in syrup. The finish is long, rich and extremely expressive.
Taittinger remains one of the few Champagne Houses to be owned and actively managed by the family named on the label. Its origins date back to 1734 when the original house was founded by Jacques Fourneaux. The Taittinger link was established in 1931 when Pierre Taittinger, the founder of today's company acquired the House. Pierre spent time in the Champagne region when serving in the 1st world war as a young cavalry officer. Stationed at the Château de la Marquetterie, he fell in love with this remarkable property and its vineyards and eventually purchased the company. Today, the Reims based House is headed up by Pierre's great grandchildren Vitalie and Clovis, both of whom are actively involved in the day to day running of this thriving family Champagne House. The hallmark of the Taittinger Champagnes is the high percentage of Chardonnay used in their winemaking which can be anything from 40% in the Brut Réserve Non Vintage to 100% in the prestigious Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. This Chardonnay dominance provides for a style of elegance, delicacy and finesse which is recognised worldwide and has earned the House many accolades and awards over the years.
All of Taittinger's vineyards are managed under the careful eye of Vincent Collard and Christelle Rinvelle, Champagne Taittinger's highly regarded vineyard manager.
This wine comes from top Grand Cru sites and is made from the first pressing. The blend is made from 50% Chardonnay grapes for the Cote des Blancs primarily from Avize and Le Mesnil sur Oger and 50% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims area including Mailly, Ambonnay. It is the speciality of the Grand Crus that bring precise characters to the wine such as its minerality. The level of reserve wine used in the blend varies by vintage. Prior to release the wine is aged for a minimum of 4-5 years on lees, sometimes more.
An award winning aperitif. Delicious with fine white fish such as Dover sole.
93 points - Robert Parker. "The latest release of Taittinger's NV Prélude Grand Crus is showing nicely, offering up aromas of pear, crisp stone fruit, warm biscuits and marzipan. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and precise, with tangy acids and fine depth at the core."
