Taittinger Cuvée Collection Vasarely 1978 is a remarkable expression of the Blanc de Blancs style, crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. This vintage Champagne, with over four decades of maturation, hails from one of the most esteemed maisons in Champagne. The 1978 harvest, shaped by a cool and moderate growing season, resulted in grapes of great finesse and acidity—a foundation for long-lived sparkling wines. In the cellar, Taittinger is renowned for its precise vinification and extensive lees ageing, which imparts depth, complexity, and a beautifully refined mousse. The Collection Vasarely is especially distinguished by its unique collaboration with artist Victor Vasarely, making each bottle not only a vinous treasure but a work of art, with aromas expected to express mature notes of baked apple, toasted brioche, hazelnut, citrus peel, and a gentle minerality characteristic of grand Chardonnay Champagnes.
The Champagne region itself is situated in northeastern France, where the cool continental climate is crucial for maintaining acidity and freshness in the grapes, essential for producing world-class sparkling wines. The region’s signature chalky soils, especially in the Côte des Blancs where Chardonnay dominates, contribute a persistent minerality and elegance, further enhanced by centuries of viticultural heritage and innovation. Champagne’s history is interwoven with celebration and luxury, and houses like Taittinger are at the heart of this legacy, known for their devotion to purity and finesse.
To accompany this mature Blanc de Blancs, consider refined dishes that echo its elegance without overpowering its subtleties. Delicate seafood—such as poached lobster, seared scallops, or king crab—complements the wine’s creamy texture and saline notes. Classic pairings from the region include oysters or a simple tartare de bar, while aged Comté or a mature goat cheese can highlight the wine’s nutty complexity.
For tasting, it is vital to serve this vintage Champagne at the right temperature—ideally between 10 and 12°C—to allow its intricate aromas to develop fully without muting the delicate effervescence. Use fine, tall flutes or white wine glasses to enjoy the bouquet and flavours at their best, and give the wine a few moments in the glass to open, savouring each sip of this extraordinary piece of Champagne history.
