It was James Bond’s favourite champagne in the first volume of the series, and was also to make an on-screen appearance in “From Russia with Love”. From 1953 to 1964, Taittinger champagne would hold a special place in 007’s heart.
Champagne Taittinger has for many years supported major cinematographic events such as Britain’s BAFTA and BIFA awards precisely because cinema is a reflection of its time… which, from the Taittinger family’s perspective, lends it an essential quality. “Cinema provides us with an insight into what the spirit of a society means… its dreams, its anxieties, its day-to-day life,” as Vitalie Taittinger said in an interview with Le Figaro.
Champagne Taittinger’s association with the world of cinema – at least in writing – goes back to the year 1963. The date was 9th April. Claude Taittinger, who was at that time the Head of Maison Taittinger, received a letter from the famous “James Bond” author Ian Fleming. A few months earlier, the first Bond film adaptation, “Dr No”, had been released in theatres – and although Ian Fleming was already well known for his novels, this was the very peak of his fame. Although no material sources exist to lend further context to these early exchanges, the two men are said to have met on a film set.
Claude Taittinger had sent Fleming several bottles of the Comtes de Champagne Blanc des blancs 1953, and so Fleming’s letter was written to think the sender for his thoughtfulness, with the addition of a touch of whimsy featuring a few lines of uniquely British humour:
“Unfortunately, James Bond is at present in Japan where the poor fellow will have nothing to drink but sake. I shall try and play fair with him, but it may well be that by the time he returns he will find nothing but the empty bottles. But these are so handsome that he can certainly have them converted into lamps!”
The author concludes his letter: “Again with a thousand thanks for your very kind gesture and my warm congratulations on producing the finest champagne in the world”, with my kindest regards.”
“The best champagne in the world” – this was of course a reference to the words he himself had put into 007’s mouth in the very first novel of the James Bond saga, “Casino Royale”, released in 1953. During Bond’s visit to the casino of the Hotel Le Splendide with the charming Vesper Lynd, he ventures:
—
“If you agree, I would prefer to drink champagne with you tonight. It is a
cheerful wine and it suits the occasion — I hope”.
With
his finger on the page, Bond turns to the sommelier:
— “The Taittinger ‘45?”
—
“A fine wine, Monsieur,” said the sommelier. “But if Monsieur will permit,” he
pointed with his pencil, “the Blanc de Blancs 1943 of the same marque is
without equal.”
Bond
smiled. “So be it,” he said.
—
“That is not a well-known brand,” Bond explained to his companion, “but it is
probably the finest champagne in the world.”
The connection between James Bond and Taittinger continued on screen in “From Russia with Love”, released in 1964: in the dining car of the Orient Express, 007 – played by Sean Connery – orders “a bottle of Blanc de Blancs”, referring to the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de blancs. Donald “Red” Grant, who has been tasked with eliminating our hero, discreetly adds a powerful sleeping pill in order to capture him. But – Bond being Bond – he is able to overcome this setback, and ultimately kills his enemy.
While Taittinger’s presence in the James Bond universe ended after “From Russia with Love”, the House’s connection with the silver screen has never been broken. This will be the focus of an upcoming article, to be published very soon. Stay tuned.
