At the pinnacle of Champagne craftsmanship, the Comtes de Champagne 2011 from Taittinger stands as an ode to Chardonnay’s purity. Sourced from the emblematic Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs, this Blanc de Blancs celebrates mineral finesse and the verticality of a legendary terroir. The 2011 vintage expresses a clear, luminous and sculpted profile, where chalk, blossom and citrus converse with a delicate texture. Matured for an extended period in the cellars, this cuvée develops an airy effervescence and controlled depth, like a subtle score where every note is perfectly placed. For the curious taster as well as the seasoned collector, it promises a tasting moment that lingers in memory, with the composed elegance typical of great works. At Taittinger, the pursuit of balance results in crystalline freshness, density without weight and a serene finish, evoking the beauty of the great chalky landscapes. More than a Champagne, it is a gesture of precision, turning time into an ally, light into substance, and pleasure into a signature.

Blend and vinification

Made exclusively from Chardonnay from Grands Crus, the Comtes de Champagne 2011 focuses on the quintessence of the Côte des Blancs terroirs. Gentle pressing preserves the fruit’s brightness and the juices’ finesse, while careful vinification that respects the raw material promotes aromatic clarity and harmony. Extended ageing on fine lees in chalk cellars builds texture and encourages a very delicate effervescence. Bottling and the development of the mousse occur slowly, helped by the coolness of the chalk cellars, refining the bead and amplifying complexity. A restrained dosage finishes the wine without compromising its uprightness, preserving verticality, precision and that characteristic chalky purity. Every step follows the exacting standards of a craftsman, in search of balance, clarity and length, to deliver a Blanc de Blancs that is vibrant, subtle and deeply expressive.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: pale shimmering gold crossed by fine, persistent bubbles; a delicate glint that announces an elegant, luminous body.
• Nose: a clean, nuanced bouquet of lemon and bergamot zest, white flowers, fresh almond, damp chalk and a touch of brioche. With aeration, notes of crunchy pear, linden and a saline thread typical of great limestone sites emerge.
• Palate: a direct, precise attack carried by noble acidity. The mid-palate unfolds a creamy yet light texture, blending sculpted citrus, white fruit and mineral tension. The long, clean finish extends on chalk, with a hint of almond and a final citrus note of refreshing clarity.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve the Comtes de Champagne 2011 between 10 and 12°C to showcase its aromatic finesse and the extreme delicacy of its bubbles. Prefer tulip-shaped glasses, wider than a traditional flute, to allow the bouquet to open and the texture to be better perceived. Open the bottle a few minutes before serving to let the wine breathe gently and gain in complexity. Store in a temperature-controlled cellar, protected from light and vibrations, bottles lying down to preserve the cork. This cuvée has a fine ageing potential and will gain complexity over time while keeping a taut and elegant structure.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs: caviar, fine oysters, sea bream sashimi, savory citrus tarts.
• Starters: scallop carpaccio, poached lobster, brown crab, delicate shellfish jelly, crisp herb vegetables.
• Main courses: turbot with lemon butter, sole meunière, Bresse poultry with morels, celery risotto with lemon-infused olive oil.
• Cheeses: aged Comté, Parmesan, truffle Brie, fresh goat cheese with lemon zest.
• Desserts: lightly sweetened citrus tart, white-fruit pavlova, light meringue with candied zest.

Occasions

The Comtes de Champagne 2011 is the ideal companion:

• To celebrate a milestone event with an iconic cuvée.
• During a gourmet dinner where precision, purity and length take centre stage.
• As an exceptional gift for an enthusiast of great Blancs de Blancs.

Specifications

• Name: Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne 2011
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Type: Blanc de Blancs
• Vintage: 2011
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Terroirs: Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs
• Ageing: extended on lees in chalk cellars
• Volume: 75 cl
• Cellaring: significant ageing potential
• Serving temperature: 10–12°C