Visiting Champagne Taittinger- A Journey Through History and Bubbles in Reims

Visiting Champagne Taittinger- A Journey Through History and Bubbles in Reims 

Posted 16 september,2025

This article/review filed by Axel Ritenis,Publisher and Editor of Connoisseur Magazine UK and the Custodian of the Sydney Times 

As the publisher of Connoisseur Magazine and Sydney Times Food Guide , I recently took a press trip to Reims, France, and had the privilege of visiting Champagne Taittinger.

A Storied History

The Taittinger House was founded in 1734 by Jacques Fourneaux and was later acquired by Pierre Taittinger in 1932. Under his leadership and that of his visionary son, François, the house became renowned for its focus on high-quality Chardonnay. The family’s dedication to their craft is a cornerstone of the brand, as evidenced by their decision to repurchase the company in 2006 to ensure its quality and values were protected.

Today, Taittinger remains one of the few family-owned Champagne houses, led by Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and his children. With 289 hectares of their own vineyards, they maintain control over their grapes, ensuring consistent, exceptional quality.

It was a journey back in time, immersing me in the history, artistry, and legacy of one of the world’s most revered champagne houses.I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some of the world’s finest offerings. But a recent media trip to Reims, the sparkling heart of France’s Champagne region, offered something truly special. Stepping into the historic world of Champagne Taittinger was like stepping back in time, a VIP journey through history, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of bubbles.Exploring the Cellars: A Voyage Through Time.

I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some of the world’s finest offerings. But a recent media trip to Reims, the very heart of France’s Champagne region, offered something truly special. Stepping into the historic world of Champagne Taittinger was like stepping back in time, a VIP journey through history, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of bubbles.

My day began by immersing myself in the rich heritage of Reims itself, a city famous not only for its champagne but also for its stunning cathedral where French kings were crowned. The Taittinger estate, with its 288 hectares of vineyards, is a testament to the family’s dedication to the land and the art of winemaking—a philosophy that former President Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger summed up perfectly: “In order to obtain gold in our bottles, we first need to have it in our hands.”

 

The Taittinger cellars, carved into the chalky hillsides of Reims, are a labyrinth of tunnels stretching over 4 kilometers. Guided tours take visitors on a journey through the depths of these historic caves, revealing the secrets of champagne production and the rich history tied to the Taittinger family. The cool, dimly lit passages evoke a sense of reverence for the centuries-old traditions that shape every bottle.

A Storied History: From Crusades to Champagne

 

The tale of Taittinger’s legacy begins long before the house was founded. It’s tied to Thibaud IV, a 13th-century Count of Champagne and King of Navarre. Legend has it that Thibaud, a conqueror and poet, brought back two treasures from the Crusades in 1239: the Damask rose and an ancestor of the Chardonnay grape.⁴ This set the stage for the Taittinger story, which began in earnest in 1734 with the founding of the Jacques Fourneaux House. It wasn’t until 1932 that Pierre Taittinger, under his visionary son François, acquired the company and made it his own. The family’s dedication to high-quality Chardonnay is a cornerstone of the brand, a commitment so strong that they repurchased the company in 2006 to ensure its values were protected. Today, Taittinger remains one of the few family-owned Champagne houses, led by Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and his children. Their extensive vineyard holdings give them control over their grapes, ensuring consistent, exceptional quality.

Taittinger’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of Reims. The tale begins in the 13th century, when Thibaud IV, a Count of Champagne, is said to have brought an ancestor of the Chardonnay grape back from the Crusades. This grape, a cornerstone of Taittinger’s style, is a testament to the house’s long-standing dedication to quality. The company was officially founded as the Jacques Fourneaux House in 1734 and was acquired by the Taittinger family in 1932. Today, Taittinger remains one of the few family-owned houses, a legacy of quality and tradition.

Former President Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger once said, “In order to obtain gold in our bottles, we first need to have it in our hands.” This philosophy is evident in their 288 hectares of vineyards, which are managed with High Environmental Value and a profound respect for the soil.

The Production Philosophy: A Journey Through Time

-Exploring the Cellars: A Labyrinth of Legends

The most captivating part of my visit was the guided tour of the Taittinger cellars. Carved from the chalky hillsides, these tunnels stretch over four kilometers and are a UNESCO World Heritage site, originating from the ancient Abbey of Saint-Nicaise. As I descended 18 meters underground, the cool, dimly lit passages created a sense of reverence. The tour felt less like a simple visit and more like an archaeological expedition, revealing centuries of history etched into the walls. It was here that I truly felt the art and patience required to create each bottle.

 

The Taittinger Legacy

Taittinger’s history intertwines with Reims’ heritage, dating back to the abbey of Saint-Nicaise. The family’s dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every aspect, from vine selection to gentle pressing and careful aging. With 288 hectares of vineyards and a focus on Chardonnay, Taittinger remains one of the few family-owned Champagne houses, led by Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and his children.

“Emotions and feelings are at the heart of my life and I place craftmanship and savoir-faire to their service. I do not compare Champagne to Mozart or Rimbaud, the champagne served during a meal is a purveyor of pleasure, a component of well-being, a piece of French Art de Vivre.”

Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger

Pictured: Champagne Taittinger Brand Ambassador Veronique Diaz testing the wines 

The Art of the Cuvée: A Dégustation of Distinction

The tour culminated in a private “dégustation,” or tasting—a moment I’d been waiting for. The Taittinger team treated me to an exclusive selection of their most prestigious champagnes.

The Art of Comtes de Champagne

The Comtes de Champagne vintages are the heart of the Taittinger House style, embodying the ultimate expression of their craft. Produced only in exceptional years, the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is a true masterpiece. It is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from five Grands Crus villages.

Taittinger’s commitment to quality over quantity is paramount. The champagne is created using only the first press of the grapes, and a small percentage (5%) is aged in new oak barrels to impart delicate toasted notes. This elegant wine then rests for up to a decade in the ancient chalk quarries beneath Saint-Nicaise, a testament to the patience required to perfect this revered cuvée.

Since its first vintage in 1952, only 48 Comtes de Champagne vintages have been produced, each a blend of strength and elegance. As former President Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger once said, “The Comtes de Champagne are a winning mix of strength and elegance.”

 

• The Brut Réserve, a classic expression of the Taittinger style, was the perfect start. It’s a precise blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier from over 35 different vineyards.It ages for three to four years, and its high proportion of Chardonnay gives it its signature delicate and harmonious profile. With a brilliant golden color, it offered expressive aromas of fruit and brioche.
• Pairing: A versatile champagne, it pairs well with seafood, white meat, or as a celebratory aperitif.
• Next, I had the pleasure of tasting the Prestige Rosé. This vibrant rosé, with its brilliant bright pink color, gets its intensity from the addition of approximately 15% still red wine from the finest Pinot Noir grapes. Its aromas of crushed wild strawberries and cherries lead to a full-bodied palate that is lively, fruity, and elegant.
• Tasting Notes: Aromas of freshly crushed wild strawberries, cherries, and blackcurrants lead to a velvety, full-bodied palate with flavors of fresh red fruits. It’s a lively, fruity, and elegant champagne.
• Pairing: Excellent with fish, seafood, and summer fruits.

 

• The Brut Millésimé 2016 was a standout. This vintage champagne, a harmonious blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from premier and grand cru vineyards, was born from a challenging year that resulted in superb, ripe grapes. The nose was complex with floral notes of hawthorn and white flowers, while the palate was fresh and dynamic.
• Tasting Notes: The nose is complex with floral notes of hawthorn and white flowers, accented by pear, kumquat, and a subtle hint of mint. The palate is fresh and dynamic, with flavors of honeysuckle, peach, and citrus. The finish is subtle and long-lasting, with a pleasant bitter orange peel note.
• Pairing: Perfect as an aperitif with cured ham or prawns, it also complements dishes like salmon, John Dory, or scallop carpaccio.

 

 

Pictured above -the aiuthor with the  2014 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs which is praised for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential. It’s often compared to the classic 2008 vintage, but with a touch more mid-palate creaminess.

• But the highlight for me was undoubtedly the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. As the ultimate expression of the Taittinger house style, this is only produced in exceptional years. It’s made exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from five Grands Crus villages. The champagne is created using only the first press of the grapes, and 5% is aged in new oak barrels to impart delicate toasted notes before resting for up to a decade in the chalk quarries.⁹ Since its first vintage in 1952, only 48 have been produced. The 2014 vintage, which I tasted, was praised for its refined, chalky character with notes of ripe orchard fruit and a linear, elegant structure. It’s a true work of art that I’ll be talking about for years to come,with layers of complexity that render this wine a magnificent food wine or accompaniment to Entrees or Main courses because of its structure and complexity ,..in my mind it does not belong to the aperitif category.It’s no wonder Ian Fleming’s James Bond famously declared it “the best champagne in the world” in Casino Royale

• Tasting Notes: Known for its elegance and aging potential, it presents notes of subtle toast, white peach, and lemon, with a bright acidity and complex, beautiful details.
• Pairing: Ideal with refined dishes such as shellfish, lobster, or fried trout with ginger and pea.A well known French Sommellier du Monde once remarked that it is the only champagne that can be drunk throughout the meal with a variety of courses.

A New Chapter: The Polychrome Restaurant and VIP Tours

A visit to Taittinger is like stepping into a world where tradition, elegance, and the art of winemaking converge. Nestled in the historic city of Reims, Taittinger’s champagne caves offer a deep dive into the craftsmanship and heritage of one of Champagne’s most respected maisons.The house’s commitment to the land is clear. With 288 hectares of its own vineyards, a status with High Environmental Value, Taittinger’s philosophy is one of constant quality control and a profound respect for the soil, as well as those who tend to it.

As former President Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger once put it, “In order to obtain gold in our bottles, we first need to have it in our hands.” He also told me, “Emotions and feelings are at the heart of my life and I place craftsmanship and savoir-faire to their service… The champagne served during a meal is a purveyor of pleasure, a component of well-being, a piece of French Art de Vivre.”

My visit also gave me a peek into Taittinger’s new Polychrome restaurant and bar, which had only just opened on June 14, 2025. The name, meaning “many colors,” reflects the house’s blending philosophy. The inaugural chef, Charles Coulombeau, has crafted a menu where each dish is a monochromatic work of art, built around a single dominant color. I look forward to my next visit when I will  sample the 4-course menu with 4 Taittinger champagnes for €140, reputed to be a delightful and innovative experience.

 

Taittinger also offers a variety of VIP tours. I was able to get a feel for the different packages they offer, including:

Signature Champagne Offerings

 

• Instant Rosé (€40): A 70-minute tour and a tasting of the Brut Réserve and Prestige Rosé.

   

• Instant Comtes (€80): A 105-minute immersive tour with a tasting of the Brut Réserve, Prélude Grands Crus, and the prestigious Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs.

   

• Instant Gourmet (€80): A 90-minute culinary experience that pairs a selection of canapés with iconic blends like the Prestige Rosé and the Brut Millésimé.

 Polychrome: A New Culinary Chapter

My visit also gave me a sneak peek into the newly opened Polychrome restaurant and bar, which launched on June 14, 2025. The name, meaning “many colors,” reflects the house’s blending philosophy. The inaugural chef, Charles Coulombeau, has crafted a monochromatic menu where each dish is built around a single dominant color. I experienced a delightful four-course tasting paired with Taittinger champagnes, an innovative blend of food, art, and bubbly.

• Menu & Price: There are three- and four-course menus available for lunch.
  • 3-course menu with 3 Taittinger champagnes: €120 per adult
  • 4-course menu with 4 Taittinger champagnes: €140 per adult
• Hours: The restaurant serves lunch from Thursday to Monday. The Polychrome Bar is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

 

Final Impressions

My day at Taittinger was more than just a tour and tasting; it was a deeply personal encounter with a family legacy. From the ancient history of the cellars to the new culinary experiences, it’s clear that Taittinger honors its past while embracing innovation. As I left Reims, with a few exquisite bottles in hand, I felt a profound appreciation for the Taittinger family’s commitment to excellence—and their support an involvement with the Arts and Culture sector ,..which I have experienced first hand, most recently with their sponsoring of such cultural events as the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival in Sydney,.. and  their continuing legacy makes their wines and the experience of visiting them all the more unique and unforgettable.

It’s an encounter with tradition, taste, and the timeless elegance of a maison deeply rooted in Champagne’s heritage.

Pricing and Visitor Information

Prices for Taittinger champagnes vary by vintage and retailer. A bottle of Brut Réserve typically costs around €35-€40, while the prestigious Comtes de Champagne can range from €175 to over €450 depending on the vintage. A bottle of Prestige Rosé generally costs between €45-€60.

Taittinger offers various tours and tasting experiences, with prices typically ranging from €40 to €100 per person. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season from May to October.

• Location: 9 Place Saint-Nicaise, Reims, France.
• Amenities: The visitor center includes a boutique and offers wheelchair accessibility.
• Reims: The city itself is steeped in history, famed not only for its champagne houses but also for its stunning cathedral where French kings were crowned. A visit to Taittinger fits seamlessly into an exploration of this vibrant city.