Tell me, what do you celebrate when you open a bottle of Champagne? If you’ve been following me, you know that I love all sparkling wine but Champagne holds a special place in my heart.
*This post is sponsored by Champagne Taittinger. All opinions are my own.
For a lot of people, Champagne means celebrating a great accomplishment such as a promotion or marking a festive occasion like New Year’s Eve.
However, Champagne reminds me of being reunited with loved ones. Let me explain…
When I was growing up, my father worked for a European company and would frequently have to travel through Europe and Asia for long periods. When he would come back from an international business trip, he and my mom would celebrate his safe return by opening a bottle of their favorite champagne.
When my Dad was set to return from a business trip, my brother and I would stay up and wait for the distinctive sound of his keys jingling as he unlocked and opened the front door. We would then rush from the living room into the foyer to greet him and ask questions about his trip. As we were kids, we would also ask if he brought us anything back as a souvenir.
After the initial excitement calmed down, my Mom would get the Champagne flutes out of the crystal cabinet (reserved only for very special occasions) and she and my Dad would sit down at the dining room table to a late dinner with a bottle of champagne and toast to his safe return home.
Now that I live in a different country from the rest of my family, when we are all together again which isn’t that often, we still celebrate being reunited with a bottle of Champagne.
This year we will be celebrating with Champagne Taittinger.
Taittinger is one of the last family-owned and operated Champagne houses Originally founded by Forest-Fourneaux in 1734, it was acquired by the Taittinger family in the 1930s and is still run by the descendants today.
What sets Taittinger apart is that they exceed the minimum aging requirements for all cuvées, use a high percentage of estate grapes, and have been pursuing sustainable practices for over a decade.
Taittinger Brut Millésimé (Millésimé means vintage in French) is only produced from select Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes during years where the fruit harvested meets Taittinger’s standards of quality.
The 2014 vintage is Taittinger’s most recent Millésimé release. The minimum aging period required by law for vintage Champagne cuvées is three years and Taittinger aged the Millésimé 2014 for five years before releasing it.
Champagne may consist of a blend of seven approved grapes, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier being the most common. The Millésimé 2014 consists of a blend of 50% Chardonnay grapes harvested from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs and 50% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus of Montagne de Reims and the edge of Vallée de la Marne.
The Millésimé 2014 has a floral and fruit bouquet. The tasting notes include honeysuckle and orchard flowers, lemon and peach, and almond and brioche. With crisp acidity and tiny, delicate bubbles this wine was a wonderful treat for my senses.
After the isolation of last year, this holiday season I look forward to reuniting with my family and sipping Champagne Taittinger as we catch up in person.
There really is something very special about Champagne, and I find it tastes best when shared with loved ones.
Will Champagne have a seat at your holiday table?
