Our History
Double Champagne descent
For us, champagne is not just a tradition, it's a family affair.
A story where heritage, transmission and passion have been intertwined for several generations.
It all began in 1958, in Reims. On that day, my parents— Catherine de Suarez d'Aulan and Claude Taittinger —celebrated their wedding, surrounded by 400 guests. But it wasn't just a union of love: it was also the coming together of two great family-owned Champagne houses .
My mother, Catherine, is heiress to the House of Piper-Heidsieck . My father, Claude, then runs the House of Taittinger with his brother François. When you are born into two such effervescent lines… it’s no wonder you have sparkling blood!
Piper-Heidsieck, a story of heart and heritage
Behind this House hides an extraordinary woman: Yolande Kunkelmann , my grandmother. An inspiring and courageous entrepreneur in Champagne . Following the death of her husband, Jean Suarez d'Aulan , an aviation pilot who fell during the war, she took over Maison Kunkelmann et Cie alone, despite the tragedies: expropriation, persecution... because she was hiding heavy weapons and resistance fighters in her cellars.
A mother of seven, she found the strength to rebuild. In 1968, she relaunched the house under the name Piper-Heidsieck . A lesson in resilience and family history.
“I'm naturally associated with the name Taittinger, especially after working there for over 20 years. Yet, Piper-Heidsieck is deeply rooted in my history.”
Piper, this is my first time too.
My first professional experience? It was at Piper. I was 16 years old. In the summer, I worked alongside cellar master Jean Michel. It was there that I understood an essential truth: in the world of champagne, there is no room for privilege, only work counts.
And then there was this taste revelation.
In 1979, Piper-Heidsieck dared to create the Brut Sauvage cuvée, the first Brut Nature champagne on the market, with no dosage. At the time, sweet, semi-dry champagnes dominated. A slap in the face.
Unthinkable at that time at Taittinger. It took 50 years for a Brut Nature to reappear in our family with the release of VIRGINIE T. 2009 Brut Nature
The Taittinger name is a Champagne heritage in its own right. It's the one I carry, the one my children carry, and it's known the world over—for Champagne, of course, but also for its roots in politics, hospitality, perfume, and even crystal.
I lived there for 47 years of my life, including 21 years of my career , totally immersed in the family home.
Between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, a question of taste
My father, Claude Taittinger , had a great admiration for Chardonnay , the white grape variety that embodies elegance. He dedicated the legendary Comtes de Champagne cuvée, the House's emblem, to it.
I fell in love with Pinot Noir . Its power, its vinosity, its fruity aromas... This is what later inspired me to create a vintage in my own image.
