In keeping with its spirit of openness and commitment to delivering a fresh vision of champagne culture, Maison Taittinger is enhancing its guest experience at its historic Saint-Nicaise venue with the launch of two brand new tasting workshops: “Comtes vertical” (read our article here) and “The art of blending: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir”.
Designed as opportunities for sharing knowledge and making new discoveries, these workshops are an immersion in the House’s savoir-faire and style of blend. Intended for both the discerning enthusiast and the devoted connoisseur, they offer a sensory tasting experience allowing visitors to gain a deep insight into the House’s champagnes.
Taking place in Polychrome, Taittinger’s new space dedicated to the art of blending and champagne tasting, participants can choose between two workshops, one of which reveals secrets about the production of Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs through the tasting of three exceptional vintages, while the other highlights the unique features of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blends with the Prélude Grands Crus, Brut Millésimé and Folies de la Marquetterie.
Discover the tasting workshop “The art of blending : Chardonnay and Pinot Noir” here.
“The art of blending”: The Taittinger Signature
The workshop “The art of blending: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir” transports visitors to the beating heart of Taittinger savoir-faire: the art of the blend. Through a tasting comparing three premium cuvees – Prélude Grands Crus, Brut Millésimé and Folies de la Marquetterie – participants discover how, in the manner of an orchestra conductor, the House composes unique harmonies between two iconic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Each cuvee reflects an aspect of the signature Taittinger style: the precision and purity of Chardonnay, the structure and depth of Pinot Noir, and the relentless quest to strike a vibrant balance between the two.
This workshop highlights the role of the blend in shaping the personality of our wines and in translating the Taittinger philosophy: striving for equilibrium between finesse, radiance and terroirs.
Tasting notes
Prélude Grands Crus
50% Chardonnay | 50% Pinot Noir
The Prélude Grands Crus opens like a perfectly written score, where each note has its place. The pale yellow robe with flashes of silver is underpinned by the presence of Chardonnay. It opens with a delicate nose, initially mineral in aroma, before giving way to floral accents. On the palate, the vibrancy of citrus fruits encounters the silky roundness of candied white peach, before a complex and lively finish which resonates long after the final sip.
Exclusively selected from Grands Crus classified plots, this champagne impresses with its balance and precision. It is superb either on its own or paired with seafood dishes, a prelude to elevate the most exceptional tasting experiences.
Brut Millésimé 2018
50% Chardonnay | 50% Pinot Noir
Embodying the art of Maison Taittinger champagne, the wine is born from a unique encounter between terroir, seasons and climate. This fragile alchemy – almost like a house of cards – commands a perfect robe, nose, effervescence, palate and finish. Sourced from 70% Grands Crus and 30% Premiers Crus, blended with equal proportions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this vintage showcases the depth and breadth of the Cellar Master’s expertise and reflects Maison Taittinger’s style.
Folies de la Marquetterie
45% Chardonnay | 55% Pinot Noir |30% wine vinified in oak barrels
The estate’s first champagne in the history of the brand, “Folies de la Marquetterie” is a blend of 45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir, sourced exclusively from the Taittinger vineyards. The acquisition of the Château de la Marquetterie and the surrounding vineyards, a site known as “Les Folies”, marked the beginning of the family’s Champagne adventure.
The vineyard grew very quickly and the House now presents more than 35 different crus. “Folies de la Marquetterie” pays tribute to this story.
The signature tends to dense and profound, with opulent aromas. Each plot is vinified separately, while some crus are aged in oak barrels. Its yellow robe, underscored by golden hues, presents fine and delicate bubbles.
The powerful, fruity nose opens on yellow peach aromas and extends on the palate with woody notes, a reflection of its oak barrel ageing.
