Wine Advisor
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose 2008
View analysis
Description
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose cuvée, which is always a vintage, is only made when the year has been exceptional and all the demanding quality criteria have been met. It is made from 30% Chardonnay Grands Crus from the prestigious Côte des Blancs region and 70% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus from the Montagne de Reims region. The Comtes de Champagne Rosé owes the secret of its uniqueness to the 15% of still red wine which is added to the blend. It is the Champagne House’s most rare cuvée. Its fruity character and smooth, caressing taste make it a delicious luxury to only be enjoyed in small sips. Another legend, Rudolph Noureev, said, “When I drink Comtes de Champagne rosé, I no longer dance, I fly...”
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: William Kelley
Taittinger's 2008 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé, which arrives on the market this year, has unwound considerably since I last tasted it. Offering up inviting aromas of red berries, plums, sweet spices, orange rind and freshly baked bread, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an ample core of fruit, lively acids and an elegant pinpoint mousse. As I wrote in 2019, Taittinger is using more Pinot Noir and opting for longer sur lattes maturation for this bottling, and the result is that Comtes Rosé is becoming a more gastronomic Champagne. Deceptively charming as this 2008 is today, I suspect it will tighten up with a little age on cork.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is bright, steely and finely chiseled right out of the gate. It shows quite a bit or energy and also more overall tension than the Blanc today. It will be interesting to see how the 2008 ages, and if the fruit ever emerges. I suspect the 2008 will always remain a rather nervous Rosé, even if it is quite striking today. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, chalk and white pepper build into a finish supported by bright, salivating acids and plenty of steely minerality.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Comtes de Champagne Rosé presents a classically austere façade. Crushed berry, mint, chalk and dried herbs emerge on the bouquet, and yet the wine remains very tight, even with aeration. The Comtes Rosé has a track record of aging brilliantly. Today, though, I am not sure the fruit will ever fully emerge.
About the Producer
A Great Champagne House, which has quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious in the region, Taittinger is founded upon exceptional cuvees from the greatest terroirs of Champagne. The history of the Taittinger Champagne House begins at the beginning of the 20th century. Taittinger developed his brand’s identity gradually, building its identity upon a daring and innovative style. In 1932, Taittinger became one of the most important references among the great Champagne Houses. The noble Chardonnay became the emblematic grape variety of the House, producing brilliant wines full of finesse, elegance and an ethereal lightness. Since 2006, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, along with his daughter Vitalie and his son Clovis, has been at the helm of the business started by his ancestors. Thanks to the great commitment of a united and dedicated family, Taittinger has maintained a winning spirit and a certain consistency of style, marking this beautiful Champagne House. The Taittinger Champagne House boasts a wealth of very precious and rare vineyards. In order to preserve the invaluable genetic heritage that is the signature of the Taittinger brand, the estate has chosen mass selection for more than 90% of its vines. In addition to Pinot Noir (48%) and Pinot Meunier (15%), a pride of place is given to Chardonnay (37%), the variety that leaves its print most significantly on the cuvées of the House.
