What kind of wine is Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2012 - Taittinger (gift box)
The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2012 - Taittinger (gift box) is one of the most iconic labels from the historic Maison Taittinger, located in Reims, in the heart of Champagne. It is a Blanc de Blancs, meaning a champagne produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, sourced from the Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs, one of the most acclaimed areas for elegance and freshness. The cuvée is crafted only in exceptional vintages, when the climate allows for grapes of extraordinary quality, capable of best expressing the character of the terroir. As per the Maison's tradition, production follows the Champenoise method, i.e., secondary fermentation in the bottle, which gives the champagne its characteristic fine and persistent bubbles, synonymous with elegance and longevity.Vintage details
The 2012 vintage in Champagne is considered one of the best of the decade, thanks to a perfect balance between ripeness and acidity. After a complex spring, the summer brought sun and optimal temperatures, allowing the Chardonnay grapes to achieve full aromatic expression and impeccable structure. The result is a vintage that combines freshness, complexity, and great evolutionary potential.Winemaking and aging
The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2012 - Taittinger (gift box) is made exclusively from the first press musts, the purest and finest part of the juice. Fermentation takes place in steel to preserve freshness and aromatic precision, while a small portion matures in oak barrels, imparting complex nuances and delicate toasted notes. Secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, where the wine remains more than 9 years on the lees, a period of aging that provides depth and an extremely fine mousse. The final Brut-style dosage maintains a perfect balance between vibrancy and creaminess.Tasting notes
Every detail of this Champagne speaks to the elegance of Chardonnay and the centuries-old expertise of Maison Taittinger.Color
In the glass, it appears luminous, with a pale golden yellow color with greenish reflections, traversed by incredibly fine and continuous perlage.Nose
The nose opens with fine floral notes and ripe citrus, followed by hints of dried fruit, pastry, and mineral accents. It is a refined bouquet that evolves in the glass with elegance and complexity.Taste
On the palate, it is silky and balanced: a taut, fresh, and creamy sip, supported by very fine bubbles and a long finish. The finish is clean, mineral, and profoundly elegant.What dishes to pair with Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2012 - Taittinger (gift box)
This Blanc de Blancs is perfect as an aperitif for special occasions, but it truly shines with food. It pairs excellently with:- oysters, shellfish, and fish tartare;
- dishes based on white fish or scallops;
- risottos creamed with citrus or seasonal vegetables;
- fresh and medium-aged cheeses, such as young Comté or Brie.
Storage and aging (how to store Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2012 - Taittinger (gift box))
To preserve its qualities, champagne must be stored carefully.- Temperature: ideally between 10°C and 12°C, constant and free from thermal shocks.
- Light: avoid direct exposure to intense natural or artificial light, which can alter its aromas.
- Position: store the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and maintains an airtight 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 best open and serve Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2012 - Taittinger (gift box)
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2012 - Taittinger (gift box), ensure that the bottle has been stored horizontally, in a cool environment and away from light. Approximately one hour before serving, place it upright to allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal serving temperature is between 9°C and 11°C. Chill the bottle gradually by immersing it for about 20-30 minutes in an ice bucket with ice and water. Avoid placing it in the freezer to prevent compromising the quality of the perlage and the delicate aromas of the Champagne.
3. Opening the bottle
Carefully remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork. Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and slowly rotate the base, not the cork, until you hear the characteristic sigh, avoiding abrupt pops. This will best preserve the finesse of the Comtes de Champagne bubbles.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, pour a small amount of Champagne into a flute to check for clarity, effervescence, and aroma. A light bouquet of citrus, white flowers, and pastry notes indicates the wine's perfect preservation.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although decanting is not typical for Champagnes, the Comtes de Champagne 2012 can benefit from brief oxygenation. Gently pour the contents into a Champagne carafe or large glasses, allowing the wine to rest for 5-10 minutes. This step helps to fully develop the aromatic complexity.
- Avoid shaking or pouring abruptly, so as not to disperse the bubbles.
- Use tulip-shaped glasses, which promote both oxygenation and concentration of aromas.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 'Comtes de Champagne' 2012 - Taittinger (gift box) in small pours to maintain a constant temperature. The wine pairs magnificently with dishes such as oysters, fish carpaccio, or refined first courses based on shellfish. Be sure to keep the bottle always cool, perhaps in an ice bucket.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, close the bottle with a specific Champagne stopper and place it in the refrigerator. Consume it within 24 hours to still appreciate the elegance and freshness of the perlage. Avoid storing it beyond this period, as the loss of carbon dioxide would reduce its vivacity.