Taittinger

When talking about elegance and finesse in the Champagne world, it's impossible not to mention Taittinger – and more specifically, their iconic prestige cuvée: Comtes de Champagne. For decades, this house has produced some of the most refined bubbles in the world, and the Comtes series stands as a beacon of what Blanc de Blancs can truly achieve.

The Taittinger Champagne house has its roots in the city of Reims, where monasteries and wine production have existed since the Middle Ages. In 1734, the original champagne house, Forest-Fourneaux, was founded. It wasn't until 1932 that Pierre Taittinger purchased the company and put his name on the bottle. Since then, the family has been synonymous with elegance, lightness, and Chardonnay-driven Champagne. Today, the house is led by Vitalie Taittinger – one of the few women at the head of a major Champagne house.

After various financial ups and downs, including a temporary takeover by an American investment fund in 2005, the house was repurchased by the family and brought back on the right track.

Comtes de Champagne

Comtes Blanc de Blancs – the flagship cuvée from Taittinger, and one of the most popular Champagne bottles on the ShareWine marketplace.

Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is Taittinger’s most prestigious wine – made 100% from Chardonnay grown in Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs. The first vintage was released in 1952, and since then it has only been produced in the very best years.

Comtes Rosé – The Rare Sister

The rosé version, Comtes de Champagne Rosé, is even rarer. It mainly uses Pinot Noir from Bouzy, which provides structure, body, and a pronounced fruit character. It’s a rosé Champagne with serious depth.

Taittinger Production Methods

Comtes de Champagne is made exclusively from grapes sourced from Grand Cru villages: Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly, and Cramant – among the most sought-after terroirs in all of Champagne.

The wines are fermented in stainless steel tanks and small quantities in oak barrels. The bottles are then aged in Taittinger’s cellars – originally Roman chalk caves – for a minimum of 8–10 years before release.

Everything is handled with extreme precision – from hand harvesting to extended bottle aging and riddling (turning the bottles) – something that is rarely done so meticulously today.

Taittinger is actively working with HVE certification and sustainable viticulture – no herbicides and a strong focus on biodiversity. At the same time, Vitalie Taittinger is leading the way toward CO2 neutrality and a continued emphasis on quality over quantity.

Top Vintages of Comtes de Champagne

For a Comtes de Champagne to be released, the harvest year must be exceptional – with perfect balance between acidity, ripeness, and finesse. Some of the most legendary vintages include 1996, 2002, 2006, and 2008 – the latter is considered by many to be one of the greatest ever produced by the house.

Other Cuvées from Taittinger

Prelude Grands Crus: A “little brother” to Comtes, but still made exclusively from Grand Cru grapes. Elegant, mineral-driven, and more accessible in price.
Brut Réserve: Taittinger’s house Champagne, made with a high proportion of Chardonnay (40%). Fresh, light, and versatile – a real crowd pleaser.
Nocturne & Prestige Rosé: Nocturne is semi-sweet and ideal for dessert, while Prestige Rosé combines Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a fruity and lively style.

What Does Comtes Blanc de Blancs Taste Like?

Expect white flowers, lemon cream, brioche, and chalky minerality. Complex, yet airy – like tissue paper with bubbles.

The Taittinger style is characterized by lightness, elegance, finesse, and citrus/mineral notes from the Chardonnay grape. No heavy oxidation, just a pure, classic style.

Food Pairings for Comtes de Champagne

Perfect with shellfish, sushi, white fish, and creamy cheeses. Or simply as an apéritif on a sunny terrace.

Comparison with Other Renowned Champagne Producers

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is especially interesting when compared with other famous Champagne producers. Of course, it's a subjective evaluation, but one could say that Comtes de Champagne matches Salon in purity, Krug in complexity, and Dom Pérignon in elegance – often at a better price point.

Champagne Auctions Featuring Comtes de Champagne

If you love Champagne and haven’t yet tried Comtes – now’s the time! Check out the current Champagne auctions featuring Comtes de Champagne.

Frequently Asked Questions about Comtes de Champagne

When was Comtes de Champagne first produced?

The first vintage was in 1952, but it wasn’t released until 1959.

What’s the difference between Blanc de Blancs and Rosé?

Blanc de Blancs is made 100% from Chardonnay, while Rosé contains Pinot Noir.

How long is Comtes de Champagne aged?

A minimum of 8–10 years in the cellar before release.

Is Comtes de Champagne suitable for aging?

Yes, most vintages develop positively for 20–30 years or more.