Taittinger Champagne Millésimé Brut 2016 in gift box

Champagne Taittinger reserves its Brut Millésimé for years judged strong enough to bottle on their own, and the 2016 follows that pattern with a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the region. As a vintage wine it is held on its lees far longer than the house Brut, and that extended ageing is what drives the wine's depth. It is made by the traditional method, with the second fermentation and long maturation in bottle building both complexity and a fine, mature mousse.

The colour is deep gold with a persistent bead. The nose combines apple, lemon and white peach with a pronounced toasted bread and hazelnut character and a touch of honey. On the palate it is dry, structured and long, the autolytic depth balanced by firm citrus acidity. Serve chilled at 9 to 11 degrees in a tulip glass to let the aromatics show. A wine for the table as much as the aperitif, it suits lobster, fine white fish and mature hard cheeses.