The Champagne Taittinger house dates to 1734, but the Taittinger family has run it for just the last century. For the past 40 years, Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger helmed the brand; he recently passed the torch to his daughter, Vitalie, who currently serves as president, and his son Clovis, who assumed the role of general manager. Notions of timelessness and sophistication instill the family philosophy. They also believe, however, their Champagne shouldn’t be reserved solely for life’s big milestones and celebrations but embraced and enjoyed during the little, special moments we encounter every day as well.

A visit to Champagne Taittinger embodies this synergy of luxury and approachability. Tastings take place in Reims at the Demeure des Comtes de Champagne, a 13th-century house thought to be the urban dwelling of Thibaud IV, the crusader and explorer who was the King of Navarre and Count of Champagne. Guests are welcomed to a room reminiscent of a church, with a wrought-iron chandelier, a large rectangular table flanked by pillar candles and an “altar” upon which sit a handful of Taittinger expressions, uncorked and ready for swirling and sipping.

© Kelly Magyarics

Available in French or English, the 50-minute experience provides an overview of the brand’s history and two different tasting options. Those who opt for L’Instant Rosé receive a glass of Brut Réserve, with notes of peach, acacia and honey; and one of Prestige Rosé, where the addition of 15 percent of still red wine renders the vibrant pink hue and intense fruity notes of wild raspberries and cherries. The more luxe L’Instant Gourmet includes a glass of Brut Vintage 2016, made with equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, 70 percent of them from Grands Crus vineyards, aged five years in the cellar and offering aromas of pear, verbena and kumquat and flavors of honeysuckle and bitter orange peel. Oenophiles will also sip Prélude Grands Crus, made using grapes from the top Grands Crus vineyards; these add full, rich, complex tones of elderflowers, citrus, cinnamon and white peaches.