NV Taittinger Prélude Grands Cru Champagne 750 ml

Taittinger is a powerhouse, a beacon of excellence that crafts some of the world’s best Champagnes. The Prélude Grands Crus, sourced entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, is among their most distinguished bottles, and one of their best values. 

As the second-largest landowner in Champagne, Taittinger has access to some of the region’s best vineyards, and they went to top Grand Cru sites for this wine—drawing 50% Chardonnay from Avize and Le Mesnil sur Oger and 50% Pinot Noir from Mailly, Bouzy, and Ambonnay. 

Those exceptional vineyard sources translate to a thoroughly captivating and age-worthy Champagne. “Gorgeous,” praised Decanter in their 96-point review. “A lovely interplay of Pinot richness and Chardonnay slinkiness, showing depth, svelteness and elegance.” Meanwhile, Master of Wine Jancis Robinson applauded it as “Very complete and impressive” and Wine Advocate called it an “excellent bottling that flies somewhat under the radar.”

Here, “under the radar” spells exceptional value. The Prélude Grand Crus’ 96-point score lands it in highly distinguished territory, matching non-vintage bottles from fellow paragons Krug, Henri Giraud, and Laurent-Perrier that go for twice the price, making this likely the most pedigree and excellence you can get for the money.

Aged on the lees four times longer than required by law in the region, it’s a bottle with alluring richness and depth. It’s golden-toned with a fine mousse, bursting with aromas of citrus zest, roasted hazelnut, almonds, and freshly baked brioche. The palate is layered with ripe tropical fruit, lemon zest, and nutty tones carried by bright acidity. 

That top-of-the-world exuberance, alongside alluring suaveness, is what has made Taittinger a celebratory go-to. When World Cup champions celebrate the greatest achievement in soccer, they’re popping Taittinger. Backstage at the BAFTA awards (England’s version of the Emmys), award-winning actors toast with Taittinger. When Ian Fleming’s James Bond orders a bottle to his room, it’s Taittinger. And when you open this Prélude Grands Crus, you’re getting the pure-satin luxury of one of their finest bottles. 

Despite their extensive land holdings, Taittinger remains a family-run operation, one of the few independently owned Champagne houses. They first purchased the château in 1932, along with some of the region’s most coveted land. Nearly 60 feet beneath the estate run a network of chalk caves—originally dug by the Romans—where they age their bottles, one of only five houses to employ this kind of cellaring. 

This is an exceptional bottle from top vineyards and one of the most reliably excellent Champagne houses, and an absolute must for any bubbly lover.