Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2015 Magnum, gift box

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2015 Magnum, gift box is the prestige cuvée of Maison Taittinger, a vintage Blanc de Blancs made exclusively from Chardonnay from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs, here in magnum. This magnum is sold only in its Taittinger gift box: it is not available on its own.

Created with the 1952 vintage, it is produced only in the great years. Its name pays tribute to the Counts of Champagne, among them Thibaut IV, who by tradition is credited with introducing Chardonnay to the region in the 13th century.

The grapes come from the five Grands Crus of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. A small share of the wines, 6 to 8%, is aged in oak barrels. The wine then ages ten years in the Gallo-Roman chalk cellars of Saint-Nicaise, in Reims, before receiving a dosage of 8 to 9 g/L. The 2015 vintage came from a rapid growing cycle, with the harvest beginning in early September. The magnum holds 1.5 litres, the equivalent of two bottles. It is the format enthusiasts prefer: because the volume of air under the cork is proportionally smaller, the wine evolves more slowly and more harmoniously, and gains complexity over time.

Key facts

• Origin: France, Champagne, Côte des Blancs, Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
• Producer: Champagne Taittinger
• Vintage: 2015
• Grapes: Chardonnay 100%
• Dosage: Brut, 8 to 9 g/L
• Ageing: 6 to 8% of the wines in oak barrels, ten years in the Saint-Nicaise chalk cellars
• Size: 150 cl (magnum, 1.5 L)
• Presentation: sold only in a gift box

Tasting notes

• Colour: Crystalline with golden highlights, shot through with light green flashes, fine bubbles with an almost silky texture
• Nose: Briny, mineral and lightly spiced, then pastry, brioche, hazelnut and almond, and with air lemon, bergamot, white flowers and ripe white fruit
• Palate: Caressing bubble, suppleness and fullness, rich citrus flavours and green notes, a balance between structure and finesse

Serving and storage

The house recommends serving it at around 11 °C, in a large white wine glass rather than a flute. It can be enjoyed today, but its cellaring potential exceeds ten years and the magnum offers it the best conditions to evolve slowly. Store it lying down, in a cool, stable cellar, away from light.

Food pairing

A sea bream ceviche with citrus and avocado, fine oysters, a sea bass tartare or sole meunière. For dessert, the house suggests a tart with poached apricots and almond cream. In magnum, this is the bottle for a grand celebration meal.

Further reading

Read the story of Maison Taittinger. Also discover our feature on Blanc de Blancs champagnes, the different types of champagne and what sets large bottles apart and the difference between Grand Cru and Premier Cru. Find more cuvées in our selection of magnums and large formats and our selection of Blanc de Blancs champagnes and our selection of gift ideas. Discover all of Maison Taittinger in our Taittinger collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is this champagne sold without the gift box?

No. This magnum of Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2015 is offered only in its gift box, which makes it a present ready to give.

What is a Blanc de Blancs?

It is a champagne made only from white grapes, here Chardonnay. It stands out for its finesse, its freshness and, in the finest cuvées, a great ability to age.

Why choose a magnum?

A magnum ages more slowly than a 75 cl bottle, because the volume of air in contact with the wine is proportionally smaller. The champagne keeps its freshness longer and gains in finesse, and the format is ideal for a table of eight to ten people.

Who is Maison Taittinger?

The origins of the house go back to 1734 and the merchant house Forest-Fourneaux, taken over in 1932 by Pierre Taittinger, who gave it his name. Still family-owned and independent, it is led today by Vitalie Taittinger. Its style rests on the generous place given to Chardonnay, a guarantee of finesse and freshness, and its wines age in the Gallo-Roman chalk cellars of Saint-Nicaise, in Reims.

How is the gift box shipped?

Delivery is free in France for orders from €300. Every gift box is carefully packed and sent with tracking.