Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus N.V. is a high-CP Champagne made entirely from Grand Cru grapes, characterized by its elegance, delicacy, bread-toasted notes, and citrus minerality. This wine is made from half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir, with base wines sourced entirely from top-tier villages such as Côte des Blancs (e.g., Avize, Le Mesnil) and Montagne de Reims (e.g., Mailly, Ambonnay). It utilizes only the first press and undergoes extensive aging in the cellars for over five years, resulting in a denser effervescence and greater complexity.
Approximately 50% Chardonnay + 50% Pinot Noir, all Grand Cru grapes, with an alcohol content of approximately 12.5% and a sugar content of approximately 9–10 g/L. It is a dry wine with a rich and rounded palate.
Structure: Medium to full-bodied, with pronounced acidity and a prominent minerality. It combines the elegance and sophistication of Chardonnay with the depth and richness of Pinot Noir, making it suitable for both neat drinking and table pairing.
Aroma: Initially, aromas of toasted bread, warm buttery pastry, marzipan, and warm biscuits emerge.
This is followed by notes of pear, ripe apple, white peach, and citrus peel, accompanied by floral notes and a delicate saltiness of honey, nuts, and fleur de sel.
Palmistry: Fine, dense bubbles, with a creamy, smooth head.
On the palate, there are notes of lemon, lime, green apple, white peach, and spice. The texture is round, but the acidity supports the overall structure, finishing with toasted bread, nuts, a touch of honey, and minerality. The finish is long and clean.
Robert Parker / Wine Advocate gave it a score of approximately 90–92 points, and many critics (including Wine Spectator, Decanter, and James Suckling) also gave it scores above 90 points, considering it to be one of the few "full Grand Cru non-vintage Champagnes" with very high value for money.