Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006
Trade Tools
France / Champagne
Produced only in exceptional vintage years and intended as the ultimate expression of the Taittinger style, this wine is composed entirely of Chardonnay grapes grown in the top vineyards of the prestigious Côte des Blancs. Only the first press juice is used. A small proportion (5%) of the blend spends three to four months in new oak barrels, enhancing the intrinsic qualities of the final blend. Prior to disgorgement, the Blanc de Blancs is aged for 10 years on the lees in 13th-century chalk cellars that were once the property of Saint Nicaise abbey.
Harvest Note
Overall, 2006 was a hot year. After a very dry autumn, the winter was cold and snowy, but fortunately there was no damage in the vineyard. The spring brought steady, mild weather, and ended with the vines flowering between 12 and 18 June. The summer was very variable, with exceptionally hot periods punctuated by numerous storms in July, followed by cooler temperatures and overcast skies in August, while September saw renewed heat and the start of a dry spell, which did not, however, have a negative effect on the volume of the harvest. The harvests began on 7 September and were relatively spread out, in order to take into account the unevenness in the ripening. Rain arrived at the end of the harvest, but yields were high enough to be able to select the best grapes. The Chardonnay produced rich, complex aromas of citrus and white fruit, and white flowers. A beautiful minerality gives them finesse and elegance. These characteristics, combined with excellent balance and suppleness, suggest a good potential to age.
Tasting Note
Elegant pale yellow color. Fine light bubbles rise steadily to form a delicate ring of foam. The nose initially presents fresh, refined tangerine-like fruit, then develops mature notes of ripe fruit, raisin pastries and candied fruit. On the palate, the attack is both smooth and lively. The mid-palate is supple, full-bodied and rich, with flavors of grapefruit. The finish is still very long and refined with a hint of spice, reminiscent of licorice sticks. The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006 offers maturity and finesse, and its aromatic potential suggests a great capacity to age.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Champagne
ABV: 12%
AGING: 8 years on the lees
Unique Selling Points
- The wine for celebrations!
- The ultimate expression of the Taittinger style
- Produced only in exceptional vintage years
- Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes from the top vineyards of the prestigious Côte des Blancs
“If only once in your life . . . Comtes de Champagne Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs.”
Vitalie Taittinger, President
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
