Wine Advisor
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose 2011
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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: Yohan Castaing
Disgorged in October 2022, the 2011 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé is a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, including fully 14% of red wine that lends it notable depth of color this year. Evoking aromas of cherries, buttery pastry, raspberries and tangerine, with an attractive minty top note, the bouquet is complex and incipiently spicy. Medium to full-bodied, layered and vinous, with chalky structuring extract, it concludes with a long, sapid finish. The limitations of the vintage mean that this is a giving, rather open-knit Comtes Rosé, but it is nevertheless a great effort in a challenging year and exhibits none of the herbaceous qualities that mar some of the wines produced in this year. Drink it now and over the next decade.
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.
