Tour France's largest family-owned Champagne house
In the city of Reims, France, Champagne Taittinger, the largest family-owned Champagne house, continues the tradition of creating its fine wines just as it has since 1932 when Pierre Taittinger founded the brand.
Over the summer, reports of a Champagne shortage hit the news wires — quel dommage! (what a pity). Rest well, oenophiles — while this year’s weather did indeed impact the vineyards in Champagne, the bottles will pour on.
“During the growing season, the harvest staff at the House of Champagne Taittinger was vigilant in monitoring the vines — day and night — to prevent the spread of mildew from the leaves to the clusters,” says Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, president of Champagne Taittinger.
Many growers were forced to cancel their harvests completely, but Champagne Taittinger carried on.
“Despite these challenges, we are pleased to report that harvest has been welcomed with good weather — with cool nights and sunny days — giving way to a healthy crop,” adds Taittinger. “In spite of this challenging year, Champagne Taittinger sees great potential among the final yield, and we look forward to sharing it.”
And share they will. Harvest usually takes place each September, and the grapes then ferment through the fall and into the winter. In January, blending begins, and the Champagne is bottled February through June. In 2015, Champagne Taittinger produced 6.2 million bottles of bubbles.
Annually, between 60,000 and 70,000 people visit Champagne Taittinger to tour its centuries-old chalk cellars and taste the house’s cuvées. Cellar tours and tastings are available year-round with seasonal hours and can be booked online in advance.
About an hour’s drive through the French countryside, the Château de la Marquetterie is where it all began for Champagne Taittinger more than 80 years ago. Though the château is reserved for special events, it’s surrounded by sweeping vineyards and terrific views of the region.
Ready for a peek inside Champagne Taittinger? Pour yourself a glass of bubbly and take some time to browse through the slideshow above.
Plus, explore the Cognac region below.
