of the legendary Champagne house
Story and photos by Dwight Casimere
NEW YORK--Global Ambassador Vitalie Taittinger flew to the United States to personally oversee the American Premiere of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2006. "With a smile on my face and a flutter in my heart, I am pleased to bring you something truly special," Vitalie said proudly to the expectant crowd of wine industry professionals.
"Our Comtes de Champagne 2006 is the first vintage simce my family regained control of the Champagne House. " To mark the ocassion, Vitalie hosted an exclusive seminar tasting, led by herself and Kobrand French Portfolio Brand Director Bernie Sun and Guest Sommelier Heidi Turzyn, Wine Director for the renowned Gotham Bar and Grill. The lucky seminar participants got to taste and compare the 2006 vintage with its counterparts from 2005. Afterwards, Vitalie hosted a reception in a luxurious Library Lounge setting This was an exceptional experience indeed!
Vitalie Taittinger, Artistic Director and Global Ambassador for Champagne Taittinger
with Dwight Casimere
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne has become a virtual fixture of global pop culture, appearing often in movies. You're probably see a glass or two hoisted in the new James Bond movie as it is often referred to as "the Champagne of James Bond."
This new release is Taittinger's 37th vintage and is a shining example of 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blanc which altered the course of the wine industry and spawned a completely new category of 100% Chardonnay Champagne.
"We constantly push ourselves to become the best," Vitalie told the gathering. "Its important to remember that excellence is a process of constant evolution and innovation; from looking into new types of glass to recyclable paper and exploring new methods of harvesting, corking and bottling."
Comtes de Champagne Brut Blanc de Blanc is characterized by its creamy mouth feel, aromas of white flowers, bright flavors of lemon zest, white peaches and toasted brioche and its complex long, crisp finish. It is delicious with shellfish, sushi and white game meats such as pheasant or guinea hen or the Holiday turkey. Drinking it alone as an aperitif or relaxing after dinner can be equally as satisfying.
Filling the famed Taittinger Champagne Pyramid in celebration
COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE: UNRIVALED QUALITY, UNPARALLELED TASTE
Comtes de Champagne is the ultimate expression of the Taittinger style. Composed entirely of Chardonnay grapes grown in the top vineyards of the prestigious Cotes des Blancs, it uses only the juice of the first press, a portion of which is is aged in new oak barrels. The wine is the aged for 10 years on the expired yeast in 13th century chalk cellars that were once the property of Saint Nicaise abbey.
"This process gives the Champagne its richness, structure and complex flavor," said French Portfolio Brand Director for Kobrand Bernie Sun. "The longer you taste Comtes de Champagne, the more thedifferent flavors begin to unfold."
Starting with the aroma of freshly crushed red rose petals in the Rose, to luscious flavors of wild strawberries, mandarin orange and back notes of vanilla and cinnamon spice, candied apples and a touch of smoke, the flavor profile gets deeper and more complex with every sip.
Taittinger Champagne definitely goes with food and the combinations are dizzying, all the way from hot and cold appetizers and assorted cheeses to lavish main dishes such as gourmet favorites steak tartare, foie gras glazed with ripe figs or tender veal filets simmered in Dijon mustard sauce.
Dessert is a natural with Comtes de Champagne. Think rich chocolate mousse, crunchy glazed Creme Brulee' or Tarte Tatin. The flavor combinations are endless with Taittinger Comtes de Champagne!
For more information, visit www.taittinger.com.
Global Brand Ambassador Vitalie Taittinger and Guest Sommelier Heidi Turzyn, Wine Director,
Gotham Bar and Grill lead Comtes De Champagne Seminar
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