It was an opportunity of a lifetime to sample this prestige cuvée of Champagne Taittinger at their mesmirising caves, once a chalk quarry inhabited by Benedictine monks. Close to 1,00,000 bottles of this Champagne was resting in these cellars when I visited them.

The Champagne had a pale gold colour with abundant bubbles forming a persistent mousse.

The bouquet was fresh and mineral with citrus and toasty notes, followed by a refreshing palate with flavours of pineapple, melon and toasted brioche. With smooth long finish, this wine can work as an aperitif and also with savoury food.

(Tasted in 2012 at the Taittinger Caves in Saint Nicaise Abbey)