Champagne Taittinger – it’s a family affair Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > Champagne Taittinger – it’s a family affair SHARE “Being a family business involves different choices: we invest with our hearts; we invest for the long term in order to preserve and develop as best as possible a heritage inherited from previous generations to pass it on to future generations.” Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger Interview with Mike Cox, owner of Universal Beverages Why Champagne Taittinger? In 2005, I launched Universal Beverages, an importer, wholesaler and distributor of premium wines and spirits to the discerning South African customer. I had previously represented Taittinger at another agency and when that business was sold, Taittinger asked me to continue to be their custodian in Southern Africa. That began a relationship that has spanned over 17 years. The key is in the word relationship. Being one of the few remaining independent and family-owned Houses, Taittinger places a strong emphasis on family values and relationships. Universal Beverages is also a family business and so this resonates with me. It’s also a premium brand with worldwide recognition for elegance and quality amongst connoisseurs. Two-thirds of Taittinger’s Champagne is exported to more than 150 countries. I believe that one should never just drink one brand of Champagne. There are over 300 Champagne Houses! If you don’t try others, how will you know what else there is and what is truly exceptional? It’s a journey of discovery, but one that must include Champagne Taittinger. What has led to this reputation for excellence and finesse? Taittinger owns over 280 hectares of vineyards, situated in the best villages in Champagne, making it the third largest grower. Most of these vineyards are Grand Crus and supply half of their requirements. This ensures a regular supply of high-quality grapes, produced strictly according to the House style, which ensures delicate and yet accessible wines. The terroir, the vines and the people carefully cultivating the grapes are all integral to the Taittinger story. “In order to have gold in our bottles, we must first have gold at our fingertips” Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger. It’s not just the third largest grower, it’s also the third oldest Champagne House? Yes. What we know as Champagne Taittinger today, dates to 1734. It was owned by Forest-Fourneaux which marketed its wines under the name of each village, for example, “vins d’Ay, or “vins de Bouzy”. Pierre Taittinger first visited Champagne as a wounded officer in WW1. He recuperated at the Château de Marquetterie. He fell in love with the Château and the vineyards and made a promise to himself that he would one day own it. The hard times of the 1930s gave him the opportunity to make good on his promise. Folies de la Marquetterie (a single vineyard cuvée) was the first Champagne to be made under the Taittinger name. The third generation of Taittingers is now helping to steer the House in the form of Vitalie Taittinger… one of the ladies breaking the crystal ceiling. There seems to be a strong association with gastronomie and art? The Taittinger style is accessible, welcoming and ideally suited for food pairing. For over 50 years, the ‘Le Taittinger’ (the chef’s prize) has recognised the talent of young chefs through a prestigious international culinary competition. It celebrates passion, effort, taste, and excellence. In the same spirit of the search for excellence, the Taittinger Collection links leading contemporary artists with the most exceptional vintage Grands Crus. These bottle designs are limited editions. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations? The Brut is perfect for everyday enjoyment. It can be a treat after a long day's work or a way to celebrate a stunning sunset. But for truly extraordinary occasions, the Comtes de Champagne is the ultimate choice. https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Related Articles CHAMPAGNE Timeless Elegance: De Venoge Champagne As we raise our glasses to celebrate the festive season, it seems fitting to delve into the world of a renowned Champagne house that has stood the test of time with grace and sophistication. De Venoge stands for excellence, heritage, and nearly two centuries of crafting fine Champagne. Read more CHAMPAGNE Champagne Boizel – “One family, one house, one tradition” Interview with David Rieu, Export Manager Champagne Boizel. Welcome to a rainy Johannesburg! I believe you have just got off the plane from France? Read more CHAMPAGNE Champagne Pol Roger – the most British of Champagnes Interview with Derek Kilpin, Managing Director – Great Domaines Read more The Champagne in Africa team support enjoying life and the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not for persons under the age of 18. Please remember to drink responsibly.
