Jean Taittinger, honorary chairman of Champagne Taittinger, passed away September 23 at the age of 89. Taittinger, father of the Champagne house’s current president and CEO Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, was co-owner of not only the Taittinger Champagne business but also the luxury hotel group Société du Louvre. In addition, he was prominently involved in politics; was mayor of Reims from 1957-1977; and was the French Secretary of State for Finance, Minister of Justice and Minister of State from 1971-1974 under President Georges Pompidou. Jean’s brother Claude, who retired in 2006, was a long-time head of Champagne Taittinger.

Source:  Shanken News

Spring 2013 Book Launch:

A Woman's Guide to Champagne