Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/735024
{ SOMMjournal.com } 69 ighting evil in true French fashion, during WWII François Taittinger was thrown in jail for trying to keep the family's reserve wines from being poured into German wine flutes. But François is not the only Taittinger who defended his family's Champagne house. In 2006, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, grandson of Pierre Taittinger—the founder of Champagne Taittinger—fought tooth and nail to buy back the company from the U.S. private investment firm Starwood Capital Group. Today, having survived WWII and corporate occupation, Taittinger is the last great Grande Marque who remains eponymous (Pierre-Emmanuel runs the company with his son and daughter, Clovis and Vitalie Taittinger) and a top 5 Champagne Brand in the world. In fact, there are many distinct points regarding Taittinger. It is one of the few Champagne houses founded in the 18th century and one of only 24 houses to be a Grand Marque (i.e., a mem - ber of the Union des Maisons de Champagne, an organization of houses that adhere to a certain higher level of quality and have international fame). And then there's their use of a higher proportion of Chardonnay grapes compared to other large Champagne houses—the reason that Champagne Taittinger is known for having an elegant, and delicate style. Finally, you have the treasure of land ownership. Taittinger is the third larg - est estate owner in Champagne, with 288 hectares which helps ensure a consistency of quality year after year. PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN PHOTO: DOUG YOUNG Champagne Taittinger La Française with oysters and caviar served at coastal cuisine restaurant Farallon in San Francisco. f Champagne Taittinger Cuvée Prestige served at the The Pierre, a Taj Hotel in New York City.