Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 1985-2006

Taittinger is one of the crown jewels in Champagne. The flagship Comtes de Champagne gets most of the attention, but its alter ego, Comtes de Champagne Rosé, can be every bit as thrilling.

Taittinger is located in Reims, one of the two epicenters in Champagne. This is the high-rent district, full of all the glitz that is such a big part of the grand marque image. In many ways, though Taittinger stands apart from its peers. Deeply held family values – so often a rarity today – inform everything that happens here. Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, founder Jean Taittinger’s grandson, bought the family business back from Starwood Capital Group in 2006, and is now at the helm. Taittinger has built a very strong team around him, always the sign of a true leader. Every detail is given the utmost attention, something that is evident each and every time I visit the winery. Just as importantly, production of the dual flagships Comtes de Champagne and Comtes de Champagne Rosé remains tiny next to most other tête de cuvées, ensuring that quality is consistently high.

The 1989 Comtes de Champagne remains a benchmark