Taittinger Uncorked: From Roman Stone to Michelin Stars

August 2025

by Matt Steeves

On a recent visit to Reims, France, I had the unforgettable opportunity to explore Maison Taittinger—one of Champagne’s most historic and prestigious family-owned houses. Nestled in the heart of the Champagne region, Taittinger offers visitors a journey through time, with a stunning blend of ancient history and modern luxury.

The tour of Taittinger’s famed cellar was a true highlight. Carved into the solid chalk substrate as early as the 4th century, these vast underground quarries were initially excavated by Romans to extract chalk blocks. Nearly 900 years later, the site would become the basement of the Saint-Nicaise Abbey, a Gothic masterpiece constructed between 1229 and 1311. Though the Abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution, its magnificent underground crypts, tunnels, and vaults remained—today used to age Taittinger’s finest cuvées 18 metres beneath the earth’s surface. Maison Taittinger’s deep respect for heritage is evident in every detail. Their historic site now includes a modern guest centre where Champagne enthusiasts can experience the past and the present in harmony. Guests can walk the same chalk caves that once stored wine for Benedictine monks and now cradle their iconic Comtes de Champagne wines.

Starting this summer, from June 14, 2025, Taittinger enhances their guest-experience with the opening of “Polychrome”—an avant-garde gastronomic venue that unites fine dining with Champagne blending, conveniently located above their ancient chalk cellars.

This ‘assemblage table’ invites guests to explore new dimensions of taste, where each dish is expertly paired with a selection of Taittinger’s most esteemed Champagnes. The Polychrome dining experience is a masterclass in curating excellence: ambience, service, quality, presentation, and flavour—both in the food and the accompanying Champagnes. Perfectly designed and flawlessly delivered, it’s a world-class culinary experience set within the comfort and heritage of one of Champagne’s most storied houses. As President Vitalie Taittinger beautifully says, “There will be something to surprise, learn, explore. So come and play and let the beautiful join the good!” The culinary highlight of the visit was the opportunity to enjoy dishes thoughtfully crafted by their Michelin-starred chef, Charles Coulombeau, designed to pair with iconic wines such as the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2013.

Created in 1952, this cuvée pays homage to the noble Comtes de Champagne, notably Thibaud IV, whose seal adorns every bottle. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced exclusively from the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs—Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger—this wine epitomizes Taittinger’s elegant, mineral-driven style. Each of the 288 hectares of vineyards is tended with care and overseen by their Chief Viticulturist, Christelle Rinville. Grapes are harvested only at peak ripeness and pressed separately to preserve their individual character. Only the first pressing is used, with a small portion (~5%) aged in new French oak barrels from Burgundy and Cognac, to enhance the wine’s complexity. The wine then undergoes its magical transformation deep in the chalk cellars, aging silently on its lees for over a decade. The current release, Comtes de Champagne 2013, is a masterpiece that already displays radiant energy and depth. It’s fresh, floral, with citrus zest, lavender, brioche, and minerality. The palate is vibrant, incredible tension with a mineral-focused finish which persists for minutes. With decades of potential ahead, it is a wine to be treasured. I scored it 99+ points—the most memorable Blanc de Blancs I’ve tasted, and a shining example of the pinnacle of Champagne production.

My visit to Taittinger was not only a walk through centuries of winemaking excellence, but also a celebration of Champagne’s future, where tradition and innovation unite in perfect harmony. A visit to Reims, France, would be incomplete without a stop at Maison Taittinger. From the awe-inspiring chalk cellars and historic Abbey remnants to the refined gastronomic experiences at Polychrome, it’s an immersion into the soul of Champagne.

Also, just a short distance away in downtown Reims, don’t miss the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral—a Gothic gem where French kings were once crowned. Together, these landmarks offer an unforgettable journey through history, architecture, and the artistry of fine wine.

Where to buy Taittinger in Ontario? You can purchase Taittinger’s #1 selling wine, Brut Reserve Champagne and Prestige Rosé Champagne – two fantastic expressions of high quality and widely appealing Champagne, which are readily available throughout Ontario in most LCBO stores. Keep your eyes peeled for other offerings which may pop up from time to time via Vintages too such as Comtes de Champagne.

And as Vitalie Taittinger so elegantly reminds us, “Champagne is the most perfect catalyst for happiness.” Whether you’re visiting Champagne or simply enjoying a glass among friends, it’s a beautiful way to put a smile on your face—and theirs. Santé!

Cheers,

Matt Steeves