NV - Taittinger, Brut Reserve

Taittinger’s signature Brut Reserve NV is a 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier based on the 2019 vintage with 30% reserve wines, of which 20% are Grand Cru. Pale champagne yellow in color, the nose reveals delicate notes of honeysuckle, dried apricot and hints of toast. The medium-bodied palate is well balanced with vibrant, supple acidity framing a textured and ripe fruit core. It finishes long and refreshing with attractive honeyed notes.

Based on the 2021 vintage and disgorged at the end of 2024 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, the latest release of Taittinger’s NV Brut Réserve is showing well, delivering notes of nashi pear, peach, white flowers and buttery pastry. The palate is medium-bodied and pillowy, simultaneously charming and vibrant, informed by its cool-style base year. Classically balanced, it incorporates 30% reserve wines from the 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015 and 2014 vintages and underwent six months’ élevage in stainless steel.

Full bottle 1,612 g. Chardonnay-dominated blend. Lemon and liquorice curds. Quite sweet. Pineapple cream – the champagne version of piña colada! I found it almost too sweet by itself, but it proved to be really, really good with pies (we used it in a pie-with-wine-pairing test for Thanksgiving 2024). Especially, of all things, steak and kidney pie! (TC)