Tasting Notes
"In tribute to Autumn"
Claude Taittinger wanted to pay tribute to the âChĂąteau de la Marquetterieâ, where the story of the Champagne House started. He came up with a wine that was created from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines growing on the hillsides around the house. It was to be a champagne that evoked a feeling of homeliness; a subtle blend of autumnal colours, like those found in the different woods used in âmarquetterieâ (marquetry work)...
ChĂąteau de la Marquetterie, set in the heart of the Champagne wine-growing region, was, prior to the French Revolution, the one-time residence of writer Jacques Cazotte, author of French classic Le Diable Amoureux, and a site for village fairs where philosophers and intellectuals of the Enlightenment would gather. General Castelnau also used the stately home as his headquarters during the Battle of Champagne in 1915, while much earlier, in the 17th century, Brother Oudart, a Benedictine Monk, discovered some of the secrets of champagne fermentation
âFolies de la Marquetterieâ proposes a blend of 45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir, sourced exclusively from the Taittinger vineyards. The acquisition of the ChĂąteau de la Marquetterie and the surrounding vineyards, a site known as âLes Foliesâ, marked the beginning of the familyâs Champagne adventure. The vineyard grew very quickly and the House now presents more than 35 different crus. âFolies de la Marquetterieâ pays tribute to this story. The signature tends to dense and profound, with opulent aromas. Each plot is vinified separately, while some crus are aged in oak barrels. Finally, five years of ageing in bottles ensures the wineâs perfect balance.
The body is deep yellow in colour with golden highlights. The bubbles are fine and delicate. The intense, highly fruity bouquet leads onto peach and apricot jam aromas with subtle hints of toasted brioche and vanilla. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, smooth and fruity with dominant peach flavours. The distinctive and expressive finish delivers lightly woody notes. Les Folies de la Marquetterie is a full-flavoured and harmonious champagne distinguished by its immense richness and complexity. This âterroirâ wine, structured and powerful, pays homage to the 18th century and is the ideal accompaniment to robust dishes such as roasted meats and fish in sauce.