Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2011

When it comes to the world of champagne, Taittinger is a name that resonates with elegance, prestige and a rich heritage.  Founded in 1734 by Jacques Fourneaux, Taittinger has remained a family-owned champagne house, passing down the art of champagne-making from one generation to the next. This commitment to tradition, combined with a spirit of innovation, has allowed Taittinger to create champagnes that embody the essence of luxury and sophistication. At the heart of Taittinger's success lies its meticulously cultivated vineyards. Spanning over 290 hectares, these vineyards are located in some of the finest terroirs of Champagne, including the renowned Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. The unique combination of soil, climate and grape varieties results in grapes of exceptional quality, which form the foundation of Taittinger's exquisite champagnes.

One of Taittinger's most celebrated champagnes is the Taittinger Brut Réserve. Crafted with a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this champagne captivates the senses with its delicate bubbles, golden hue and a symphony of aromas ranging from fresh fruits to brioche. With its balanced and refined taste, the Taittinger Brut Réserve is a testament to the house's commitment to creating champagnes of exceptional quality. Beyond its flagship Brut Réserve, Taittinger offers a range of champagnes that cater to every occasion and preference. From the vibrant and fruity Prestige Rosé to the luxurious and prestigious Comtes de Champagne, each bottle bears the hallmark of Taittinger's dedication to excellence. Taittinger's commitment to quality extends beyond the production process. The house is also known for its commitment to sustainable practices, with an emphasis on preserving the environment and the biodiversity of the Champagne region. Taittinger's vineyards are farmed with utmost care, using sustainable methods that respect the land and the delicate ecosystem.

The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2011 is a prestigious cuvée that embodies the essence of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This vintage champagne is only produced in exceptional years when the harvest meets demanding criteria, ensuring its status as a true vintage expression. Crafted from a blend of 30% Chardonnay Grands Crus from the renowned Côte des Blancs region and 70% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims region, this rosé champagne is a testament to the finest vineyards in Champagne. What sets it apart is the addition of 15% still red wine to the blend, a secret that contributes to its unique character and allure.

Upon pouring, the Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2011 reveals a dense and rich nose, captivating with iodised notes and impeccable precision. As the wine breathes, enticing aromas of black fruit, cherry, and acacia blossom unfold, adding a delightful fruity and floral dimension. Additional layers of complexity emerge, with hints of gingerbread, mandarin peel, mint and liquorice, along with refreshing scents of sweet spice like turmeric and saffron. The palate experience begins with a subtly fruity and delicate attack, paving the way for a full-bodied expression with silky tannins. The mineral-driven influence of the Chardonnay grapes imparts a remarkable combination of aromatic finesse, freshness and a delightful expression of fruit. The balance achieved in this rosé champagne is a testament to the winemaking expertise and the unique limestone terroirs of Champagne.

The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2011 is a wine of distinction and finesse, reflecting the sunny yet light signature of the vintage. It is a rare and exceptional champagne, handcrafted and aged for a minimum of eight years in the legendary Saint-Nicaise cellars in Reims. Presented in elegant 18th-century antique-style bottles, it is a true testament to the artistry and dedication of the Taittinger House. The 2011 vintage benefited from a continental, sunny year, characterized by a cold and dry winter followed by a glorious summer with ample sunshine. The harvest resulted in quality grapes that were consistent, fresh, and crunchy, further enhancing the excellence of this cuvée.

Disgorged in October 2022, the 2011 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé is a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, including fully 14% of red wine that lends it notable depth of colour this year. Evoking aromas of cherries, buttery pastry, raspberries and tangerine, with an attractive minty top note, the bouquet is complex and incipiently spicy. Medium to full-bodied, layered and vinous, with chalky structuring extract, it concludes with a long, sapid finish. The limitations of the vintage mean that this is a giving, rather open-knit Comtes Rosé, but it is nevertheless a great effort in a challenging year and exhibits none of the herbaceous qualities that mar some of the wines produced in this year. Drink it now and over the next decade. - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate.

The Finer Details
Style - Rose Champagne
Varietal - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2011
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%
Closure - Cork