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Taittinger, 1981 Champagne and Sparkling

Vintage Champagne Arman Label
New Stock arriving Shortly please allow 7 days for delivery

Bottle size: 75cl

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Price:

£395.00

1 In Stock

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    • Description

    Taittinger Collection Arman 1981

    Vintage & Artist Edition Background
    The 1981 Arman edition is part of Taittinger’s Collection Series, their line of vintage Champagnes paired with distinctive artwork. The artist for this bottle is Arman, famous for his “accumulations” and works involving musical instruments, violins, etc., which is echoed in the label design. Though vintage 1981 had one of the smaller harvests post-WWII, it benefited from a warm August and favourable conditions that allowed high ripeness in the grapes.

    Blend & Style
    This is a Brut Millésimé made from roughly 60% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus of Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne, and 40% Chardonnay from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs. It was released several years after harvest, giving time for lees ageing to develop additional texture and complexity.

    Appearance & Nose
    Age has brought a warm golden-amber hue to the wine, with fine but diminished bubbles. On the nose there are evolved aromas: dried stone fruit (such as apricot or peach), candied citrus peel, honey, toasted nuts, and some oxidative notes. As it opens up, there are also deeper tertiary aromas: coffee, truffle, raisins or figs, and perhaps a gentle leather or tobacco edge.

    Palate & Texture
    On tasting, this Champagne is mature and more about depth than freshness. The texture is creamy, with softness in the mousse, though some effervescence remains. Fruit flavours are now subdued: preserved apricot, cooked pear, dried fruit, plus caramel, toast, and nutty notes. Acidity is still present, though mellow, giving lift and preventing the wine from becoming flat. The finish is long, warming, with lingering spice, fruit peel, and a little savoury complexity.

    Maturity & Drinking Window
    The 1981 Arman is now very fully mature. Bottles stored under excellent conditions are likely at their peak or very near. For those who enjoy aged Champagne with tertiary complexity, this is a wine to savour now. Future improvement is limited, so drinking in the near term is advised while the nuances are still well preserved.

    Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions
    Serve at about 10-12 °C in a tulip or white-wine glass to allow aromas to show. Pair with richer, earthy dishes: roasted poultry, game birds, creamy mushroom sauces, or aged cheeses. It’s also well suited to being sipped on its own as a contemplative wine, allowing you to explore its layers of aroma and flavour.

    Verdict
    Taittinger Collection Arman 1981 is a Champagne for lovers of aged, character-driven wines. It gives more than just prestige: it offers depth, complexity, and the pleasure of tertiary evolution. Coupled with its artistic bottle, it’s both a sensory and visual treat. For collectors or those who enjoy Champagne at this stage of maturity, it is a compelling and rewarding wine.

    Condition

    Bottle in good condition

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