Wine information:
The origins of Champagne Taittinger date back to the original house founded in 1734 by Jacques Fourneaux. However its links to the Taittinger family started in 1931 when it was purchased by the founder of today's company; Pierre Taittinger. Today it remains owned and managed by the Taittinger family and is headed up by Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger. Pierre Emmanuel's son, Clovis Taittinger and daughter, Vitalie Taittinger both work in the business making it very much a family affair. The Taittinger headquarters are in Reims, situated above magnificent 4th Century Roman cellars which at one time belonged to the Benedictine monks of the abbey of St Nicaise. Its miles of tunnels and cellars are perfect for the slow but necessary ageing process involved in making this great Champagne. The hallmark of the Taittinger blend is the high percentage of Chardonnay it contains,this gives the wines ultimate elegance, delicacy and finesse. The Château de la Marquetterie is situated in the heart of the Champagne winegrowing region and owned by Champagne Taittinger. Prior to the French Revolution it was a meeting place for philosophers and authors of the “Age of Enlightenment” and a site for village fairs. The vineyard around the Château de la Marquetterie is known as “Les Folies” and is a sunny south, southwest exposed vineyard, this combined with its soils produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes of exceptional quality.This cuvée is produced exclusively from grapes grown at “Les Folies”, picked after the first “green” harvest, giving the wine optimum sweetness and aromatic maturity. Only wines from the first pressing are used, each plot being vinified in small volumes and certain lots in oak casks. “Les Folies de la Marquetterie” is a blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir. Slow ageing for 3 years in bottles brings the flavours of this champagne to perfect harmony.Deep yellow with golden highlights and fine, delicate bubbles. It has an intense, fruity bouquet with aromas of peaches, apricot jam and subtle hints of toasted brioche and vanilla. On the palate is it full-bodied, fruity and graceful with golden peach flavours. The long finish is distinctive with light toasty notes. All in all “Les Folies de la Marquetterie” is a full-flavoured, harmonious Champagne distinguished by its immense richness and complexity. Besides being an ideal aperitif is a perfect accompaniment to fish and chicken dishes.