The Story Behind Taittinger Champagne
Taittinger. Just the name evokes images of bubbling flutes and sophisticated celebrations. But the story behind this iconic Champagne house is far more intriguing than you might think. It's a tale of love, family, and unwavering dedication that spans centuries.
A Spark in the Champagne Region
Our journey begins in 1734, not with the Taittinger name, but with a visionary merchant named Jacques Fourneaux. He founded the house then known as Forest et Fourneaux, laying the groundwork for what would become a Champagne powerhouse.
Fast forward nearly 200 years. Enter Pierre Taittinger, a young cavalry officer stationed in Champagne during WWI. While the region witnessed the horrors of war, Pierre saw something else entirely – a captivating beauty. He fell in love with the rolling vineyards and, more specifically, the magnificent Château de la Marquetterie. This wasn't just a fleeting wartime fancy; in 1932, Pierre took a bold step and acquired the Château, laying the cornerstone for the Taittinger family's enduring legacy in Champagne.
The Birth of a Signature Style
The story takes a delicious turn with Pierre's son, François. Recognizing the potential of Chardonnay grapes, François made a choice that would forever define Taittinger's Champagnes. He championed Chardonnay, incorporating it prominently into their blends. This resulted in a distinctly elegant and refined style, a characteristic that continues to define Taittinger today.
A Family's Passion: Lost and Regained
Life, however, rarely follows a straight line. Faced with inheritance taxes, the Taittinger family made the difficult decision to sell the Taittinger Group in 2005. But the story doesn't end there. Several family members, with Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger at the forefront, couldn't shake the deep-rooted passion for their legacy.Their determination paid off in 2006 when they repurchased the Champagne division winning with the highest bid in an alliance between Crédit Agricole du Nord Est and the Taittinger family – a staggering $850 million offer. That was the proof that Taittinger was more than just a brand – it was a family birthright.
A Legacy Carried Forward
Today, under the leadership of Vitalie and Clovis Taittinger (President and Managing Director, respectively), the house continues to write new chapters. Their commitment to excellence reflects the generations that came before them. They meticulously care for their vast vineyard holdings (the second-largest in Champagne) and prioritize sustainable viticulture practices.
The Essence of Taittinger: Elegance Defined
Pop open a bottle of Taittinger, and you're not just sipping Champagne; you're experiencing a rich heritage. Each sip is a testament to François Taittinger's vision, with Chardonnay playing a starring role. The pinnacle of this philosophy? The iconic Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs – a 100% Chardonnay masterpiece aged for over a decade in the historic Taittinger cellars carved beneath the very foundations of Champagne's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
So, the next time you raise a glass of Taittinger, remember the fascinating journey behind it. It's a story of love, family, and unwavering dedication, all culminating in a single, unforgettable sip.