Since its creation, Comtes de Champagne has embodied the DNA of Maison Taittinger: a pursuit of excellence, rarity and fidelity to the chalk-rich terroirs of the Côte des Blancs. This vintage is only made in exceptional years. Before its release, the wine spends almost ten years ageing in the Gallo-Roman chalk cellars of Saint-Nicaise, where it develops its complexity and character.
Created in 1952, Comtes de Champagne Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs has seen just 41 vintages released to date. This rarity reflects the high standards that define the Taittinger style.
THE 2015 VINTAGE
The 2015 growing season was marked by an accelerated cycle. After a mild winter, the spring brought both freezing temperatures and intense heat, followed by a sunny, dry summer. Rainfall at the end of August helped the Chardonnay grapes complete their ripening, and the harvest took place in mid-September. The grapes were in excellent condition, with a balance that suggested great potential.
The decision to declare a Comtes de Champagne vintage, however, is not made at harvest alone. It comes after careful tasting of the base wines and the blending process. As Alexandre Ponnavoy, Chef de Cave at Maison Taittinger, explains:
“The aromatic complexity and sheer ageing potential of the 2015 vintage left no doubt in our minds: we had to capture and preserve the memory of such an extraordinary year.”
Comtes de Champagne Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs 2015 is made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from the five Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. Only the first pressing is selected, ensuring finesse and an authentic expression of the terroir. Between 6 and 8% of the wines are aged for four to six months in oak barrels, bringing texture and depth while preserving the tension that defines the cuvée.
The wine then spends around ten years ageing on its lees in the Gallo-Roman chalk cellars of Saint-Nicaise Abbey in Reims before disgorgement. Such attention to detail has earned it a place among Champagne's most rare and admired cuvées.
LIGHT, STRUCTURE AND FINESSE
The wine has a crystal-clear, brilliant yellow colour with slight flashes of green. Its bubbles are fine and delicate, with an almost silky texture.
The nose opens with mineral, chalky and almost iodine-like notes that evoke the terroir. Gradually, fresh citrus and white flowers emerge, followed by pastry notes of brioche, almond and hazelnut. Once the wine has breathed, the 2015 vintage reveals further aromas of lemon, bergamot white flowers and ripe white fruit.
On the palate, the attack is lively, with mouth-watering freshness and pronounced minerality. The texture is generous yet refined, with a fine balance between structure and elegance. Citrus and subtle vegetal notes bring freshness, while delicate bitter notes add structure. The long, saline finish leaves a vibrant impression of mastered energy.
Alexandre Ponnavoy describes the balance he seeks in Comtes de Champagne, “I prefer a wine that has already found its balance, yet keeps enough energy, freshness and structure to continue evolving.”
A NEW PRESENTATION CASE, AN EXPRESSION OF ELEGANCE
For the new vintage of Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Maison Taittinger introduces a new presentation case that reflects the exceptional nature of the cuvée. Designed and made in France, the case showcases local craftsmanship through its careful attention to detail. Its motifs are inspired by the coat of arms, echoing the Gothic vaults of the demeures des Comtes de Reims and the chalk cellars of Saint-Nicaise. Both understated and majestic, the case reflects the philosophy of Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs: refinement, patience and precision. It offers a first glimpse of the cuvée before the wine is revealed in the glass.
COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE BLANC DE BLANCS 2015 - Champagne Taittinger
