LCBO Food and Drink Holiday 2016

TASTING NOTES Igor enjoys the aromas he detects: “white flowers, dried peach and a bittersweet citrus note like kum- quat rind. And this time the leesy autolytic notes aren’t mushroom so much as miso.” Throughout the tasting we’re leaving a little of each Champagne in the flute to return to it later when it’s warmer and less effervescent. With the Taittinger, that kumquat note seems to have grown in the glass in a most delectable way. Vibrant and open, this is a classic Champagne for any moment of celebration.

taittinger brut réserve champagne LCBO 365312, $60.65

Taittinger is a family firm founded in 1932 when Pierre Taittinger bought the Château de la Marquetterie and its vineyards, a place where he had been billeted during World War I. Since then, the company’s rise has been dramatic, especially in England, where it has recently acquired land in Kent to plant vineyards and make an English sparkling wine. From the beginning, the Brut Réserve has been notable for the large (40 percent) proportion of Chardonnay in the blend, more than any other fine non-Vintage Champagne. Chardonnay tends to add brightness and elegance to the more structured Pinots but the wine is no lightweight; there’s plenty of red fruit to provide a lovely round mouth feel.

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