Champagne Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie NV

Description

Champagne Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie is a special cuvée from Taittinger, a single vineyard wine made in only small quantities from south / south-west facing vineyards surrounding their historic Chateau de la Marquetterie.

About Champagne Taittinger

Champagne Taittinger can trace its origins back to 1734 when it was founded by Jacques Fourneaux, but the Taittinger family did not become involved until the company was purchased by Pierre Taittinger in 1931. Today, the company is run by Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and his son, Clovis (export director) and daughter Vitalie (artistic director), both of whom are actively involved in the business.

The company headquarters are in Reims, located above magnificent 4th Century Roman cellars which at one time belonged to the Benedictine monks of the abbey of St Nicaise – there are miles of tunnels cut into the chalk which are perfect for the slow but necessary ageing process involved in making this great Champagne.

Chateau de la Marquetterie

Taittinger’s Chateau de la Marquetterie is located to the west of the village of Pierry, in the heart of the Champenois vineyards and faces the Côte de Blancs. The Chateau was built in Louis XV style in 1734 but was not acquired by the Taittinger family until 1932.

The vineyard surrounding the Chateau is known as “Les Folies” (because the locals thought it was crazy to grow grapes on such a steep hill) and the grapes for the Champagne Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie are sourced exclusively from this vineyard. The vineyard is planted alternating square plots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and, in the autumn, these produce a red and yellow pattern of squares much like a chessboard or marquetry, hence the name, Chateau de la Marquetterie.

Champagne Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie Winemaking

• Blend: 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, selected after the first green harvest to optimise sweetness and aromas.
• Juice Selection: Uses only the juice from the first pressing for superior quality.
• Vinification: Each vineyard plot is vinified separately, giving the winemaker greater control over the final cuvée blend.
• Chardonnay Maturation: A portion of the Chardonnay is aged in large oak barrels (foudres) to enhance the wine’s creaminess.
• Ageing: Matured for at least 5 years before release, resulting in a full-bodied, creamy, and complex Champagne.
• Dosage: 9 g/L, contributing to a balanced and refined profile.