Taittinger
Taittinger is Champagne powerhouse with a dedicated following. It started in 1932 when Pierre Taittinger, having spent time convalescing in the beautiful Château de la Marquetterie following the war, purchased the surrounding vineyards and property; Champagne Taittinger was born. Wine had been grown here since at least the 17th century, when the Benedectine monks had worked the land. Taittinger’s head office now resides in the ancient Abbey of St-Nicaise, with 4th century chalk cellars beneath where the wines are aged and stored. The estate is vast, covering 288 hectares of prime vineyards between the Côte des Blancs, the Vallée de la Marne and the Montagne de Reims, each one sustainably managed and farmed with the goal of producing the finest grapes. Their vintage offering is known as the Comtes de Champagne. Interestingly, Taittinger is the first Grande Marque Champagne house to branch into English sparkling wine, recognising the similarity of soils. They now have a plot planted near the Kent village of Chilham and their first vintage is due to be released in 2023.