Today (June 20) is my birthday. In honor of my big day, my husband Bill made me a delicious breakfast of Eggs Benedict. What goes better with Eggs Benedict than a lovely glass of champagne? Tonight, while looking at the grocery store, looking for a few odds and ends to make it through the weekend, I stumbled upon in the Champagne section of the wine aisle. Bill smiled and said he was ahead of me. He already had a bottle of my favorite champagne waiting at home… Taittinger Brut Reserve.
Taittinger Brut Reserve runs for about $40 at our local Publix, although it can be found for less if you shop around. Made in Reims, France, in the heart of the Champagne region, Taittinger Brut Reserve could be thought of as the entry-level flagship of the house of Taittinger. It’s reasonably priced, compared to some of their more polished champagnes, and fairly easy to find.
Composition
According to Taittinger’s official website, Reserve Bruti is composed of a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir grapes from 30 to 50 different vineyards. He is then three to four years old. Today I am enjoying a bottle of Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne having an alcohol content of 12% by volume.
Appearance
As I was enjoying my breakfast this morning, sipping my favorite Champagne from a fluted style glass, I noticed the color. Taittinger’s website describes it as “straw colored”, but to me it seems more yellow. My first glass of champagne was a perfectly numbing glass with little bubbles of effervescence that constantly rose to the surface. This little bit of foam, called “mosse” by Taittinger, is described as being both “discreet and persistent.” I agree with this assessment. You can have a good time watching the bubbles rise to the surface in a quiet but impressive show.
Nose
I, holding the champagne under my nose, briefly and immediately detected the smell of peaches and strawberries. According to Taittinger, I also smelled white flowers and vanilla, although for me the peach really prevailed.
On the palate
Taittinger Champagne crossed my palate with flavors of fresh fruits, especially peaches, strawberries and a touch of honey. The smooth and velvety champagne on the tongue explodes like little blisters in the mouth. The flavor lingers for a long time, lacks fullness.
Companions
Taittinger Brut Reserve is great as an apertif. It is also excellent for savory meals with fish, white meat, or eggs. I really enjoyed a bottle of Taittinger Brut Reserve with eggs benedict for my birthday brunch, but I would equally like this Champagne with an elegantly prepared fish dish or even with dessert.
Over
Last year I had the opportunity to taste vintage Dom Perignon (2000) for the first time. I have to say, for all the hype surrounding Dom Perignon and its inflated price, I would have been just as happy with a $40 bottle of Taittinger Brut Reserve. It is really the best and affordable champagne and I recommend it to anyone who wants to drink “real bubbly” as opposed to sparkling wine. . Happy birthday to me!
For more information, please see: http://www.taittinger.com/
