Taittinger Brut Millésimé is produced from selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in vineyards in several of the finest microclimates of the Champagne region. It is produced only in vintage years when the harvest yields fruit of excellence equal to Taittinger’s rigorous standards of quality. The Chardonnay grapes are harvested from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Pinot Noir comes from the Grands Crus of Montagne de Reims and the edge of Vallée de la Marne. Following harvest, the grapes are pressed immediately in press houses located among the vineyards, yielding a first pressing which is the only juice used for this wine. At the winery, fermentation takes place under temperature-controlled conditions. Blending occurs after the primary fermentation, and thereafter the final cuvée undergoes the secondary fermentation in the bottle in Taittinger’s cool cellars. Aged for five years on the lees, the wine acquires complexity and the fine, pinpoint bubbles characteristic of its sparkle.

92 Points
Wine Advocate
2012 vintage
93 Points
i-winereview.com
2012 vintage
Harvest Note
The volume of the 2012 harvest was affected by the combination of climatic vagaries from which it suffered throughout the season: winter and spring frosts, hail, coulure, millerandage… For all that, the climatic conditions that allowed for the maturation of the grapes were exceptional, owing to the dry and sunny months of August and September. The grape-harvest took place from 17 to 30 September under the best auspices. It was marked by a few particularly cold mornings. The quality of the grapes harvested allows for the creation of wines of a great aromatic delicacy. The Chardonnays are complex, with their nose of white flowers and citrus fruits. In the mouth, they are very fresh, lively, balanced, with a generous finish. They suggest a fine cellaring potential. The Pinot Noirs garner great praise. They combine a nose of white and red fruits with floral aromas of rose. In the mouth, they are strong and full-bodied.
Tasting Note
Brut Millésime 2012 is a fine, delicate, airy, elegant champagne that presents a beautiful balance of aromatic intensity and freshness. The nose is defined by intense citrus fruit aromas of mandarin zest. Next emerges floral and delicate aromas of lime flowers. In the mouth, the attack is full of freshness and strength, dominated by the citrus fruits. There then follows a certain fullness, with flavors of pear and raisins, with a complex finish embellished with notes of licorice.
Food Pairing
This champagne pairs particularly well with white fish seasoned with a delicately creamy sauce.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Champagne
ABV: 12.5%
AGING: 5 to 6 years
Unique Selling Points
  • A classic vintage Champagne produced from equal parts of black and white grapes Produced only in exceptional vintage years

About the Grape

Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
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