Champagne Taittinger - Reopening July 22, 2024
Champagne Taittinger, one of the most esteemed names in the world of sparkling wines, has recently announced the reopening of its cellar tours, with an enhanced visitor experience. Taittinger has implemented several improvements, such as multimedia displays and updated tour paths that offer more in-depth information and interactive elements. These enhancements aim to educate visitors not only about Taittinger's methods and products but also about the broader history and culture of Champagne.
Cellars
The Taittinger cellars beneath the city of Reims, are UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. They are renowned for their extensive underground tunnels and chalk pits known as 'crayères' and originally dug out by the Romans dating from the second century.
The crayères were converted into wine cellars by medieval monks of the Saint-Nicaise monastery in the 13th century as they provided the perfect conditions for fermentation and aging, thanks to their constant temperature and minimal light exposure. Remains of the Abbey, destroyed during the French Revolution are still visible today throughout the tunnels.
Tastings
The highlight for many, of course, is the tasting session, where guests can sample various Taittinger champagnes, according on the tour selected: After a cellar visit you can select from the following options:
• Brut Reserve + Prestige Rose
• Prestige Rosé + Vintage paired with 6 food pieces
• Brut Reserve, + Prelude Grands Crus + Comtes de Champagne 2013 Blanc de blancs
Hôtel des Comtes de Champagne
Hôtel des Comtes de Champagne in Reims is a testament to the rich historical tapestry of both the region and the Taittinger family itself. This prestigious establishment, is intricately linked with the history of Count Thibault IV, a medieval nobleman, famed crusader and poet. Count Thibault IV is celebrated for bringing back with him from the Crusades the first cuttings of the vine that would eventually produce the Pinot Noir grape, a crucial varietal for the Champagne region.
Chateau de la Marquetterie
Chateau de la Marquetterie is the 18th-century châteaux of the Taittinger family serving both as a retreat for the Taittinger family and a functional space for the cultivation of some of the grapes used in their champagne blends. The manor itself is steeped in history, echoing the centuries-old traditions of viticulture and wine production that are hallmarks of the Champagne region.
The ethos of blending tradition with innovation that is embodied by Taittinger's countryside manor finds a parallel across the ocean in California's Napa Valley at Domaine Carneros. Established in 1987, Domaine Carneros is a joint venture between Champagne Taittinger and the Kobrand Corporation. It was conceived as a venture to bring Taittinger’s style to the US, focusing on sparkling wines and pinot noir, which are reflective of the Taittinger heritage. This elegant château, set against the backdrop of Napa Valley’s rolling hills, serves not only as a winery but as a symbol of the fusion between French traditional winemaking methods and California’s climate and innovative spirit.
Much like the Taittinger estate in Champagne, Domaine Carneros places a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship alongside premium wine production.