The origins of Champagne Taittinger date back to the original house founded in 1734 by Jacques Fourneaux. However its links to the Taittinger family started in 1931 when it was purchased by the founder of today's company; Pierre Taittinger.
As a young cavalry officer in the 1st World War he spent much time in the Champagne area where he was stationed at Château de la Marquetterie in Pierry, near Epernay. The Chateau’s name is thought to originate from the appearance of the vineyard as it resembled a huge XV111e century chessboard at the time of its naming with plantings of white Chardonnay grapes alongside black Pinot Grapes. Today it is planted to a more conventional layout but still produces top quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit.
He instantly fell in love with the property along with its fine vineyards and after the war in 1932, purchased it a year after he had bought the Fourneaux Company. Today it remains owned and managed by the Taittinger family and is headed up by Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger.
The Taittinger headquarters are in Reims, situated above magnificent 4th Century Roman cellars which at one time belonged to the Benedictine monks of the abbey of St Nicaise. Its miles of tunnels and cellars are perfect for the slow but necessary ageing process involved in making this great Champagne
The hallmark of the Taittinger blend is the high percentage of Chardonnay it contains,this gives the wines ultimate elegance, delicacy and finesse.This can be anything from 40% in the Brut Reserve NV to 100% in the prestigious Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs and we know through research that it is enjoyed by 'independently minded' people.
In the UK this has led them to develop partnerships with like minded associations: Aston Martin Racing, Aston Martin Owner's Club, BAFTA - the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Conde Nast Johansens, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing but to name a few.