Taittinger Brut Vintage 2016 Gift Box

Champagne Taittinger produces a vintage Champagne only when it considers the harvest to have exceptional qualities. The 2016 growing season was challenging, with a cold, wet spring followed by a hot, dry and sunny late summer. The resulting grapes were described by the Maison as exceptionally ripe, fresh and elegant, producing wines with the potential to age beautifully. Taittinger Brut Vintage 2016 is made exclusively from first-press juice, with an equal blend of Chardonnay from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs and Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne. Around 70% of the blend comes from Grand Cru vineyards, with the balance from Premier Cru sites. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the Champagne spends more than five years ageing on its lees in Taittinger's cellars, allowing the fruit to develop greater depth, toast and complexity while retaining its characteristic freshness.

Colour: Bright pale gold with a fine, persistent stream of bubbles forming a delicate mousse.
Nose: Elegant aromas of pear, peach, kumquat and citrus are layered with hawthorn, honeysuckle and white flowers. With time in the glass, notes of brioche, gingerbread, toasted almond and a subtle chalky minerality emerge.
Palate: Fresh and energetic, with ripe citrus, white peach, yellow apple and subtle stone-fruit flavours. The long lees ageing brings a fine brioche and toasted character, while the Chardonnay provides freshness and finesse and the Pinot Noir adds breadth and structure. The mousse is fine and creamy, with a distinctive chalky, mineral thread running through the wine.
Finish: Long, precise and refreshing, with citrus peel, bitter orange, brioche and mineral notes lingering beautifully.