NV Taittinger "Prestige Rosé", Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE Grapes are harvested exclusively by hand from the best crus in the Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys regions, as well as vineyards like Ambonnay and Bouzy. After harvest, they are taken to the press house immediately, gently pressed, and selected. The base blend is a mix of ~70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. To achieve the signature shimmering, deep salmon-pink color, about 15% to 20% of the total blend is specifically vinified as a still red Pinot Noir. The high proportion of Chardonnay is a hallmark of the Taittinger house style, adding elegance and sophistication to the fruit-forward profile. The cuvée undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle (the traditional Champagne method), capturing the carbonation that creates the fine, persistent bubbles. The bottles are then aged in the cellars for approximately three years to build velvety texture and complexity. The finished wine typically receives a traditional Brut dosage of roughly 9 g/L to balance out its high, crisp cranberry acidity ABOUT THIS PRODUCER Champagne Taittinger is one of the few remaining family-owned Champagne houses, renowned for its extensive vineyard holdings, including Grand Cru sites in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Unlike most large producers, Taittinger relies primarily on estate-grown fruit and is known for its unusually high proportion of Chardonnay, which lends elegance and finesse to its wines. The house is also recognized for aging its Champagnes well beyond the minimum legal requirements. François Taittinger, son of founder Pierre Taittinger, established the house style of delicacy and refinement. Under his leadership, Taittinger expanded its vineyards and increased Chardonnay plantings to 37%, well above the regional average. Working alongside legendary cellar master Roger Lénique, he set rigorous quality standards, using only the finest first-press juice and aged Champagnes in the dosage to craft exceptionally elegant, dry wines. Today, the house remains family-run under the leadership of Vitalie and Clovis Taittinger, great-grandchildren of the founder.