The Story Behind Taittinger Champagne
When you think of Champagne, you think of celebration. But behind the sparkling bubbles of each glass of Taittinger lies a fascinating story of passion, vision, and dedication. Champagne Taittinger is one of the few remaining family-owned Champagne houses, and its legacy stretches back to 1734. From the birth of the brand to its current status as a symbol of luxury and elegance, the Taittinger story is one of family, resilience, and a commitment to quality that has stood the test of time.
A Vision Born in the Midst of War
The roots of Champagne Taittinger can be traced back to 1915, when a young French cavalry officer named Pierre Taittinger was stationed near the Champagne region during World War I. While the war raged around him, Pierre was captivated by the beauty of the Château de la Marquetterie, a historic estate near Epernay, surrounded by lush vineyards. The Château’s charm left such an impression on Pierre that he promised himself that, if he ever had the chance, he would one day return to Champagne and acquire the estate.
That chance came in 1930, when Pierre was able to purchase the historic Champagne house Forest-Fourneaux, founded in 1734, and rename it Champagne Taittinger. He quickly expanded the vineyards in some of the finest Champagne-producing regions, including the prestigious Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. A few years later, in 1934, he fulfilled his personal promise and acquired La Marquetterie, the very Château where he had first fallen in love with the region.
The Birth of a Unique Style
Pierre Taittinger was not just a businessman—he was a visionary. Aware of changing trends in both cuisine and wine, he saw an opportunity to reshape the style of Champagne. In the 1930s and 1940s, he began crafting Champagnes that were lighter, drier, and more elegant, reflecting the changing tastes of the public. While many Champagne producers of the time focused on using Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, Pierre recognized the potential of the Chardonnay grape, a variety that was not yet as widely used in Champagne.
By emphasizing Chardonnay, Taittinger was able to create a signature style—Champagnes that were crisp, refined, and elegant. This style became known for its lightness and balance, and it would eventually become the hallmark of Taittinger Champagne. To this day, Taittinger is known for using a higher percentage of Chardonnay in its blends than most other large Champagne houses, which gives its wines their distinctive freshness and finesse.
A Family Legacy of Resilience
Pierre’s son, François Taittinger, took over the family business in the 1950s, continuing his father’s vision. Under François’ leadership, Taittinger became one of the most respected Champagne houses in the world. François and his legendary cellar master, Roger Lénique, refined the style further, ensuring that Taittinger Champagnes were always of the highest quality. François also made sure that Taittinger remained self-sufficient, using estate-grown grapes for many of its wines, which allowed the house to have greater control over quality.
In the 1970s, Taittinger made another significant step—expanding its reach internationally. The brand became synonymous with luxury and refinement, and its Champagnes were served at high-profile events around the world.
However, in 2005, the Taittinger family faced a difficult moment. Due to inheritance taxes, the family was forced to sell the Taittinger Group. The sale included the Champagne division, but the Taittinger name was not lost. The family’s love for their legacy was too strong to let go. In 2006, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, the grandson of Pierre Taittinger, led a successful bid in partnership with Credit Agricole to buy back the Champagne division for $850 million, ensuring that the Taittinger name remained firmly in family hands.
Today, the house is run by Pierre-Emmanuel’s children, Vitalie and Clovis Taittinger, who continue to uphold the family’s commitment to excellence. They have expanded the family’s vineyards to 288 hectares, making Taittinger one of the largest vineyard owners in Champagne, and continue to focus on sustainability and innovation while staying true to the traditional values that Pierre Taittinger set in motion almost a century ago.
The Vineyards
Taittinger’s vineyards are spread across some of Champagne’s finest regions, with major holdings in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, as well as 34 different vineyard sites across the region. The Taittinger family is known for using estate-grown grapes, which allows them to maintain greater control over the quality of their wines.
One of the most iconic vineyards is La Marquetterie, the historic estate where Pierre Taittinger first dreamed of creating his Champagne house. The vineyards at La Marquetterie are some of the oldest in Champagne, and the estate is still at the heart of Taittinger’s production today. The family also owns ancient chalk cellars in Reims, which date back to the 4th century and were originally part of the Abbey of Saint-Nicaise. These cellars are a perfect environment for aging Champagne, and it is here that some of Taittinger’s most prestigious cuvées, like the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, are carefully matured.
Champagne Taittinger Today
Taittinger is known for producing some of the world’s most elegant and refined Champagnes. From the flagship Brut Réserve to the iconic Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Taittinger’s wines are celebrated for their finesse and balance. The Comtes de Champagne, made from 100% Chardonnay, is the epitome of the house’s style—delicate, complex, and aged for over a decade in the cool, historic cellars beneath Reims.
Taittinger has also embraced sustainable viticulture practices, ensuring that its vineyards remain healthy and productive for generations to come. The house continues to focus on quality, making sure that every bottle of Champagne reflects the vision and dedication of the Taittinger family.
Today, Champagne Taittinger is a global symbol of luxury, elegance, and craftsmanship, with its wines enjoyed by connoisseurs and Champagne lovers alike. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring a moment of luxury, a glass of Taittinger Champagne offers more than just bubbles—it offers a taste of history, a reflection of the family’s legacy, and a sip of true Champagne elegance.