Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008

Intro: The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2008 is the finest example of the Taittinger House style and is always a vintage cuvee. It is made with 100% white grapes from the 5 villages with a Grands Crus classification for the Chardonnay grape (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil sur Oger). This cuvee is created using juice from the first press only. A small percentage (5 %) of the blend is aged in fresh oak barrels to create the very delicate balance of toasted notes in the final wine. Taittinger knows it must be patient with these great Chardonnays, which are the crowning glory of its terroir the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs remains for up to 10 years in the chalk quarries beneath Saint Nicaise, before emerging to ignite and delight the palates of wine lovers.

Region: Champagne || Winery: Taittinger

Grapes: Chardonnay 

Aging: Around 10 years on lees in the chalk cellars of Saint Nicaise, with about 5% vinified in new oak barrels to add subtle toasted notes.

ABV: 12.5% || Decant: 10-15 minutes || Serving Temp: 10–12°C

Pairing: Pork, shellfish, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), mild and soft cheese

Tasting Notes: The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008 reveals mature and voluptuous aromas with notes of gingerbread, licorice, and meringue, delicately layered with vine peach, cherimoya, mandarin peel, and almond pastry. The palate is generous and powerful, marked by a chalky, mineral backbone with rich density and iodine character typical of Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs. Flavors of candied fruit, sweet spices such as aniseed and coriander, and a silky texture lead to a long, elegant, and energetic finish. A Champagne of depth and refinement, with excellent aging potential.

Rating (Complexity & Vintage Year): 98 BA