The 2013 Comtes de Champagne cuvée from Taittinger immediately captivates with its purity and intensity. Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, it embodies the elegance of the great terroirs of the Côte des Blancs. Its mineral structure, vibrant freshness, and citrus notes blossom after ten years of aging. Presented here in magnum format, it is intended for grand celebrations and connoisseurs seeking a rare moment.
The production of Taittinger's Comtes de Champagne 2013
Comtes de Champagne is one of the most iconic prestige cuvées. For the 2013 vintage, Taittinger chose a blend made exclusively from Chardonnay. This choice has resulted in a blanc de blancs of rare intensity, carried by the precision and energy characteristic of the year.
The terroir
This champagne comes exclusively from villages classified as Grands Crus in the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger. These terroirs benefit from a thousand years of chalk deposits, providing a natural reservoir of water and heat. This is where the grapes draw their minerality, finesse, and unique aromatic density. This restricted location, concentrated in a strip of only twenty kilometers, gives the wine its rare character and crystalline brilliance.
Vinification
Only the best "cuvées" from the pressing are selected, guaranteeing maximum finesse. Around 5% of the wines are aged for four months in oak barrels, one third of which are renewed each year. This time spent in wood enhances the toasted nuances and adds complexity. The rest is vinified in stainless steel vats to preserve the purity of the fruit. After bottling, the champagne has benefited from ten years of maturation in the cellars of Maison Taittinger, a slow aging process that refines its texture and intensifies its aromatic depth. The final dosage, perfectly integrated, highlights the wine's natural tension.
The 2013 vintage
2013 was one of the last late harvests in Champagne, with grapes picked in October. After a long, harsh winter and a cool spring, a bright, dry summer allowed the grapes to develop strongly. The season saw over 800 hours of sunshine, which is unprecedented. Light rains in early September helped the grapes to reach full maturity. The result is a balanced vintage, with great freshness and remarkable aging potential.
Tasting notes
Color
The color of the Comtes de Champagne 2013 is clear and brilliant, a bright yellow with golden highlights. The effervescence is fine, regular, and persistent, revealing an elegant and airy mousse.
Nose
On the nose, the champagne opens with a striking freshness. Ripe citrus fruits and pastry notes are the first to emerge. Then deeper nuances appear, including white flowers, delicate brioche and a subtle touch of toasted hazelnut.
Palate
On the palate, this champagne reveals a lively and invigorating attack. The texture is dense and crystalline, balanced by a fine acidity. The finish, marked by notes of ginger and licorice, leaves a long and mineral impression. It is a wine of energy and purity, carried by the saline signature of the great terroirs of the Côte des Blancs.
Serving suggestions
- Sea bream tartare with lime
- Fine oysters from the claire
- Scallop carpaccio
- Roasted lobster with beurre blanc
- Oven-baked sea bass
- Bresse chicken with morel mushroom cream sauce
- Citrus pavlova
- Lemon meringue pie
- Almond financier
The advantages of the magnum
With a capacity of 1.5 liters, the magnum is equivalent to twelve flutes and remains the preferred format for showcasing exceptional vintages. The larger volume slows down the wine's evolution, allowing for extended aging and harmonious maturation. In magnum format, Comtes de Champagne 2013 gains in balance and complexity. Served on a special occasion, it impresses with both its generosity and finesse. Presented in a gift box, it becomes a prestigious and refined gift.
Storage and serving recommendations
Storing this champagne
Store the magnum in a dark, quiet, and slightly humid cellar, ideally at 10-12°C. Keep it lying down to preserve the elasticity of the cork. The box provides partial protection from light, but it is still advisable to store the bottle completely away from UV rays.
Aging potential
A very fresh vintage, 2013 has an estimated aging potential of 15 years or more. In magnum format, the evolution is slower, guaranteeing a full-flavored tasting experience until the end of the 2030s. The wine will then gain in complexity, developing aromas of honey, dried fruit, and toasted notes, without losing its minerality.
Serving suggestions
Serve this champagne at a temperature of 11°C to reveal its full freshness. Use slender white wine glasses rather than narrow flutes to appreciate the aromatic evolution. Decanting is not recommended: the wine naturally expresses its intensity as soon as it is opened.
