The wine’s brilliant, pale yellow color with silvery reflections indicates the high proportion of Chardonnay. This Champagne is subtle and fresh on the nose, with mineral aromas that quickly give way to notes of elderflowers and spicy cinnamon. In the mouth, lean mineral Chardonnay notes delicately balance the aromatic strength of Pinot Noir. The lively palate is dominated by fresh citrus and white peaches in syrup. Over time, this Champagne develops to become more full-bodied, round and silky with a rich, lingering finish that bursts with flavor.

Taittinger Prelude is produced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, with half the blend composed of Chardonnay primarily from Avize and Le Mesnil sur Oger in the Cote des Blancs, and half of Pinot Noir mainly from Mailly, Bouzy and Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims. Following harvest, the grapes are pressed immediately in press houses located among the vineyards, yielding a first pressing which is the only pressing used in Prelude. At the winery, fermentation takes place under temperature-controlled conditions. Blending occurs after the primary fermentation, and thereafter the final cuvee undergoes the second fermentation in the bottle in Taittinger’s cool cellars, during which the wine acquires its complexity and fine, pinpoint bubbles. The wine is aged for five years on the lees, as opposed to the required minimum of one, to develop body and bouquet.

Food pairing

Makes an excellent aperitif or accompaniment to classic seafood dishes.

Producer

Champagne Taittinger is one of the few remaining family owned and operated Champagne houses. The firm is distinguished for its extensive vineyard holdings of 752 acres, including prestigious Grand Cru vineyards in the Cote des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions. Unlike most large houses, Champagne Taittinger relies primarily on estate grapes for its portfolio of Champagnes. Also unique are the higher proportion of Chardonnay in its wines that gives Taittinger its signature style, and the time devoted to aging the wines before release—most often greatly exceeding the legal requirement, in a practice that also has become a Taittinger hallmark.