Taittinger Unveils 2016 Brut Millésimé With 70 Percent Grands Crus Grapes and Five Years of Cellar Aging

Taittinger, a well-known Champagne house based in Reims, France, has released its Brut Millésimé 2016, positioning it as a choice for special celebrations and festive occasions. The wine is made from grapes harvested in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs regions, using a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay. According to the producer, 70 percent of the blend comes from vineyards classified as Grands Crus, with the remainder sourced from Premier Crus.

The 2016 vintage is described by Taittinger as having benefited from an exceptional growing season, resulting in grapes with balanced ripeness and freshness. The wine is produced exclusively from first-press juice and aged in cellars for more than five years before release. This extended aging is intended to enhance the wine’s complexity and depth.

Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2016 is reported to show floral aromas alongside notes of pear, kumquat, verbena, gingerbread, and white flowers. On the palate, it offers flavors of honeysuckle, peach, citrus, and a subtle bitterness reminiscent of orange peel. The wine aims to balance the mineral character of chardonnay from chalky soils with the structure provided by pinot noir from the Montagne de Reims.

The suggested retail price for Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2016 is €81. The producer recommends serving it as an aperitif or pairing it with cured ham, cheese, shrimp, salmon, John Dory, tuna, or scallop carpaccio.

Taittinger remains one of the few independent and family-owned Champagne houses. It is led by Vitalie Taittinger and owns 288 hectares of vineyards—making it the second largest vineyard holding in Champagne. The estate’s plantings are divided among chardonnay (37 percent), pinot noir (48 percent), and pinot meunier (15 percent). Nearly half of its vineyard holdings are classified as Grands Crus or Premier Crus.

The house is also recognized for its commitment to sustainable viticulture. Taittinger holds several environmental certifications including HVE (High Environmental Value), VDC (Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne), and ISO 14001. Its historic cellars are located beneath the former Saint-Nicaise Abbey and ancient Roman chalk quarries in Reims—sites that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. In these cellars, some cuvées such as Comtes de Champagne age for more than ten years at a constant temperature.

Taittinger’s portfolio includes several well-known Champagnes such as Brut Réserve, Prestige Rosé, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Comtes de Champagne Rosé, Prélude Grands Crus, Folies de la Marquetterie, Nocturne, Nocturne Rosé, and Brut Vintage 2016.

The release of Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2016 comes at a time when many Champagne producers are highlighting both their heritage and their efforts toward sustainability. With this vintage release, Taittinger continues to emphasize its focus on quality winemaking practices rooted in tradition while adapting to modern environmental standards. The wine is now available through select retailers and distributors in more than 150 countries where Taittinger has a presence.