{"product_id":"taittinger-comtes-de-champagne-2012","title":"Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003eTaittinger Comtes de Champagne 2012 is one of the great modern vintages of this iconic Blanc de Blancs, capturing both the finesse and power that Chardonnay can achieve in the chalk of Champagne. Crafted exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, it is a benchmark prestige cuvée for collectors and lovers of elegant, long-lived Champagne. The 2012 combines concentration and crystalline precision, making it both seductive today and superbly poised for extended cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Comtes de Champagne 2012 shows a luminous, pale gold hue with fine, persistent bubbles that form a delicate mousse. The nose opens with refined aromas of lemon curd, white peach and crisp pear, layered with notes of pastry cream, blanched almonds, chalky minerality and a hint of mandarin zest and acacia blossom.\n\nOn the palate, this is precise yet generous: a pure Chardonnay core of citrus and stone fruit sits over a spine of vibrant acidity and a distinctly chalky, saline undertone. Flavours of ripe orchard fruit, brioche, roasted hazelnut and subtle spice evolve with air, while the mousse is ultra-fine and caressing. The finish is long, focused and mouthwatering, suggesting excellent aging potential. While already beautifully accessible with some aeration, this 2012 Comtes de Champagne will continue to gain complexity over the next 10–20 years and beyond under proper cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComtes de Champagne is produced only in exceptional vintages, and always as a Blanc de Blancs from 100% Chardonnay sourced exclusively from Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs, such as Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. These vineyards sit on deep, pure chalk, lending the wine its trademark tension, finesse and mineral drive. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to preserve acidity and selection is stringent, with only the finest cuvée juice retained. A portion of the base wines is traditionally fermented and aged in oak, adding subtle breadth and complexity, while the majority is vinified in stainless steel to safeguard freshness and purity of fruit. After secondary fermentation in bottle, Comtes de Champagne spends many years sur lie in Taittinger’s historic chalk cellars before disgorgement, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic creamy texture, fine bead and layered, toasty nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComtes de Champagne 2012 is an exceptional partner for refined, delicate dishes where texture and subtlety are key. Think oysters, scallop carpaccio, turbot with beurre blanc, lobster, caviar, sushi and sashimi, or simple but luxurious pairings such as Comté, aged Parmesan or creamy triple-crème cheeses. Serve well-chilled but not icy, ideally around 10–12°C (50–54°F), to allow the aromatics and texture to fully express themselves. Decanting is not essential, but gently pouring into large white-wine or fine Champagne glasses and giving the wine a few minutes in the glass will help it open up and reveal additional layers of complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFounded in 1734, Taittinger is one of Champagne’s great family-owned houses, renowned for its elegant, Chardonnay-driven style. Based in Reims, the estate oversees extensive holdings in prime crus across the region, with particularly prized vineyards in the Côte des Blancs. Comtes de Champagne, first released in the 1950s, stands as the house’s flagship cuvée and one of Champagne’s most respected Blanc de Blancs, celebrated for its longevity, finesse and consistent high critical acclaim. Taittinger’s combination of deep chalk cellars, meticulous vineyard work and a clear stylistic vision has secured its place among the most important and influential producers in the Champagne region.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Taittinger","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252566446417,"sku":"PS-15689701032316","price":179.14,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/comtesde_bc313a4a-8331-4cfd-bfec-19bb45b509db.png?v=1783445159","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/taittinger-comtes-de-champagne-2012","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}