Chartogne-Taillet

The Taillet family have owned vineyards in the village of Merfy on the Coteau de Saint-Thierry, north-west of Reims since the 17th century, whilst the Chartognes were comparative newcomers in 1870… In 1920 Etienne Taillet married Marie Chartogne and so the company was formed. It is now run by Alexandre Chartogne, who is a great believer in traditions in the vineyards and modern techniques in winemaking. He used a horse for work in the vines and had a small flock of sheep to keep down the weeds. Sadly they strayed one evening and were rounded up by the local fire-brigade, at the price of one for their annual barbecue. Their Les Barres vineyard is planted with ungrafted Pinot Meunier vines. This is just one of four single vineyard wines they produce in the best years.

 

The company produces the highest-rated grower’s Champagnes in Tom Stevenson’s Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine and they are also the favourite of American wine critic Robert Parker.

 

Their non-vintage Cuvee Sainte Anne is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, with the back label giving full details of the composition of the blend and the date on which it was disgorged.

 

The wine has long been a favourite of the company, with the association dating back twenty years or more, as a result of a chance meeting with Alexandre’s parents in Marrakech some thirty years or more ago.

Author: Christopher Fielden

Christopher Fielding has written his memoirs about his life in the wine trade – all proceeds go to the NHS in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The book is available for £10 from our store on Penarth Rd, Cardiff,  or can be delivered with a wine order.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.