Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut 'Prelude' (750 ml. boxed) Taittinger

THE CHAMPAGNE

The cuvée Prélude "Grands Crus" is composed of a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, which Taittinger has selected only from the "Grands Crus" vineyards; the most highly-rated vineyards in the Champagne region. Only the first pressings are used, resulting in a perfect balance between the vibrant minerality of Chardonnay and the strength and structure of Pinot Noir. It ages for 5 years in the cellars and retains a marked freshness, combining refinement and complexity. Its minerality opens the nose, before quickly becoming botanical and blossoming into a fragrance of elderflower mixed with spicy notes of cinnamon. The taste is vibrant and straightforward, dominated by hints of fresh citrus. Superb balance between freshness and aromatic character.

LA MAISON

Among the oldest Maisons in the entire denomination, Taittinger is a name that inevitably identifies in every corner of the world one of the greatest French families that has significantly contributed to the success of Champagne.

The history of this legendary Maison began in 1743, when Jacques Fourneaux started his activity as a merchant, initially selling white and red wines, and later dedicating himself to the sale of sparkling wines. The Forneaux family continued to operate in this sector with great success, joining forces with Antoine Forest, creating the “Forest-Forneaux” company and increasing their success.

In 1932, a young man with a passion for wine, Pierre-Charles Taittinger, purchased “Forest-Forneaux” and began his winemaking adventure under the Taittinger brand in the town of Reims. From the very beginning of production, the Maison established an ever-increasing bond with a particular grape variety, Chardonnay, which became increasingly central in every blend, until the release, under the guidance of Francois Taittinger, in 1952, of the Comtes de Champagne, the first “Cuvée de Prestige” produced in the area made entirely from white grapes.

Today at the helm of the company since 2005 is Pierre-Emanuel Taittinger, a direct descendant of Pierre-Charles, surrounded by a team where expertise and professionalism are the core of a winery that continues to be animated by a strong spirit of conquest and tradition.

There are 288 hectares of land owned, scattered among 34 of the best crus in the region; here, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are primarily cultivated, along with 15% of Pinot Meunier. Every year, as many as nine labels are created within the walls of Reims, where Brut Reserve, “Prestige” Rosé, and “Nocturne” accompany the great Comtes de Champagne and the various vintages that carry the great prestige of the Maison Taittinger around the world.