What kind of wine is Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2011 - Taittinger?
The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2011 - Taittinger represents one of the purest and most refined expressions from the renowned Reims house. It is a Blanc de Blancs, meaning a Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, selected from the best Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. This choice gives the wine an elegant, lively, and mineral personality. Produced according to the Champagne method (or traditional method), it involves a second fermentation in the bottle, followed by a long aging on its lees, which is responsible for its aromatic complexity and the fine bubbles that distinguish it.Vintage Details
The 2011 vintage in Champagne was characterized by dynamic weather, with an early spring and a cooler summer than average. The Chardonnay vines of the Côte des Blancs benefited from a slow and progressive maturation, which allowed for grapes with a great balance between freshness and aromatic concentration. The result is a Champagne of extraordinary harmony, capable of expressing all the purity of the fruit and the identity of the terroir.Winemaking and Aging
For the production of Comtes de Champagne 2011, Maison Taittinger exclusively uses free-run juice, which is the first and most prized pressing of the grapes. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks, at a controlled temperature, to preserve the freshness and aromatic precision of the Chardonnay. This is followed by a second fermentation in the bottle and an aging of about 10 years on the lees, with a Brut dosage (around 9 g/l), which guarantees balance and persistence. This long maturation period gives the wine its typical notes of pastry, hazelnut, and white flowers, without ever losing the mineral tension that makes it unmistakable.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, the Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2011 - Taittinger presents a luminous golden yellow, traversed by thin and continuous bubbles that announce a creamy and persistent mousse, a sign of its long stay on the lees.Nose
The nose reveals extraordinary complexity, with aromas of candied citrus, white flowers, and dried fruit. Nuances of brioche and acacia honey then emerge, with delicate mineral notes. The bouquet evolves in the glass with elegance and depth, showing a linear and refined aromatic progression.Palate
On the palate, it captivates with its perfect balance between creaminess and freshness. The fine perlage caresses the palate while the fruity notes blend with a vibrant acidity. In the long finish, citrus and mineral hints return, accompanied by a pleasant sensation of persistence and purity.Food Pairings for Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2011 - Taittinger
This Champagne is ideal for accompanying elegant and refined dishes, thanks to its finesse and verticality. Excellent as an exclusive aperitif, it performs best at the table when paired with:- seafood crudités, oysters, and fish carpaccios;
- tuna or salmon tartare with citrus;
- dishes based on crustaceans and scampi;
- steamed or baked white fish, seasoned with delicate oil and lemon;
- risottos with a hint of the sea.
Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2011 - Taittinger
To maintain the pristine qualities of this prestigious Champagne, it is important to follow some simple storage rules.- Temperature: ideal between 10°C and 12°C (50-54°F), constant and without thermal shocks.
- Light: store the bottle in the dark, away from direct light sources that could alter the wine.
- Position: keep the bottle lying down, so that the cork remains constantly moist and maintains its seal.
Taittinger
The history of Champagne Taittinger winery The Champagne Taittinger winery is one of the most renowned in the French Champagne region. Founded in 1734, the company is synonymous with tradition and elegance, yet it has never shied away from the innovations necessary to keep up with the times. With...
How to open and best serve Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2011 - Taittinger
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2011 - Taittinger, ensure the bottle has been stored horizontally and away from light or heat sources. When you decide to serve it, place the bottle upright for a few hours: this will allow any sediment to settle at the bottom, making for a cleaner opening and pour.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal temperature to fully enjoy the refined bubbles of this vintage Champagne is between 8°C and 10°C. Excessive chilling could mask the wine's complex aromas and structure, while a temperature that is too high would make the bubbles less fine. Chill the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 30 minutes before serving.
3. Opening the bottle
Opening a grand Champagne like Comtes de Champagne 2011 requires care and delicacy:
- Carefully remove the foil capsule and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on top of the cork to prevent sudden opening.
- Hold the bottle at about a 45° angle, firmly grasping the base.
- Rotate the bottle, not the cork, gently until you feel the pressure pushing it outwards. Let the cork come out slowly, producing a gentle sigh, not a pop.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the perlage: it should be fine, persistent, and regular. Pour a small amount into the glass for a first taste. This step allows you to check the quality and integrity of the wine, ensuring it has no oxidative defects or reductions.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although rarely practiced for younger Champagnes, for a vintage like 2011, decanting can be beneficial. Controlled oxygenation allows complex aromas and evolved notes of patisserie, dried fruit, and candied citrus to be released. Use a wide carafe, slowly pouring the Champagne along the inner walls to limit the loss of bubbles. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
6. Serving
Serve Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2011 - Taittinger in tulip glasses or, even better, in white wine glasses with a slightly closed rim, to enhance its aromatic richness. Pour slowly, filling the glasses two-thirds full, allowing the bouquet to develop and the bubbles to persist.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with a specific Champagne stopper that maintains internal pressure. Store it in the refrigerator, upright, and consume within 24 hours to preserve the freshness and vibrancy of the perlage. Avoid exposure to light or temperature fluctuations to avoid altering the wine's aromatic profile.